Paul Byron scores to lift Abbotsford Heat past Rochester Americans 3-2

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - Paul Byron scored to lift the league-leading Abbotsford Heat to a 3-2 win over the Rochester Americans in American Hockey League play Friday.

Byron's goal at 8:42 in the third period broke the 2-2 stalemate, giving the Heat (10-1-3) their sixth win in seven games.

Quintin Laing and Sven Baertschi also scored for Abbotsford.

Phil Varone and Brayden McNabb replied for Rochester (8-5-1).

Varone opened the scoring 4:34 into the first for the Americans.

Laing tied the game 4:04 into the second and a goal by Baertschi put Abbotsford up 2-1 heading into the third.

McNabb's power-play goal at 3:33 tied the game before Byron's goal just over five minutes later broke the stalemate for good.

Leland Irving made 36 saves in net for the Heat, while at the other end Connor Knapp stopped 18 shots.