Playing in Rochester on Friday to start a three-in-three weekend, the Lake Erie Monsters came out firing, outshooting the host Americans by an 18-4 count in the first period. Despite that, the score was tied 1-1 after the first 20 minutes. The tides turned over the next 40 minutes, as Rochester went on to outshoot the Monsters 28-11 over the last two periods. Along with two Lake Erie second-period goals, Monsters netminder John Grahame stopped all 28 shots he faced over the final 40 minutes, securing a 3-1 Lake Erie win.

The Monsters are now 17-19-3-4 and tied for fifth in the North Division. Friday's win separated Lake Erie and seventh-placed Rochester by three points. Lake Erie now leads the season series with the Amerks, 2-1. The two teams will meet five more times still this season.

Despite only registering four shots in the first period, the Americans lit the lamp first, taking a 1-0 lead at 6:34. Bill Thomas was assisted by Kenndal McArdle.

After outshooting the Americans by 14, the Monsters would finally even the score just before the end of the first period. Mark Olver scored his 12th goal of the year at 19:19, assisted by Patrick Rissmiller.

The two teams were more even-paced in the middle frame, as Rochester recorded 11 shots compared to nine from Lake Erie. The Monsters, however, would be the ones to capitalize.

Luke Walker scored his sixth of the year at 8:35 of the second, giving the Monsters a 2-1 lead. Julian Talbot assisted, registering a helper for the third straight game.

Less than two minutes later, Mike Carman increased the Lake Erie advantage to two goals with his shorthanded marker at 10:22. Justin Mercier was credited with the assist, his second in as many games.

Carman's goal was his eighth of the season and sixth of the shorthanded variety. He leads all rookies in the AHL in shorthanded goals.

The second period would end with the Monsters leading 3-1.

Rochester rattled off 17 shots in the third period while holding Lake Erie to a season-low two. Grahame continued his stellar play by stopping all 17 Amerks shots, securing the 3-1 Monsters victory.

Lake Erie will travel to Hershey to face the Bears on Saturday night, followed by a rematch in Rochester on Sunday.