By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA

In defeating the Utica Comets 4-0 on Friday night, the Rochester Americans ran their point streak to seven games and increased their lead in the American Hockey League’s North Division to two points over Cleveland.

And yet they weren’t all that pleased about everything that happened.

Defenseman Zach Redmond, who scored the first goal, said the Amerks were far from perfect. “I think we can play a lot better — which is very exciting.”

Coach Chris Taylor said “probably the first period and a half I didn’t like too much of our game.”

Mind you, the score was 2-0 Rochester after 24 minutes.

You know that means? This we-can-be-better attitude is what high-quality teams expect and demand. Yes, the Amerks won. Yes, goalie Scott Wedgewood posted a 20-save shutout. Yes, rookie defenseman Lawrence Pilut continued to pile points with three assists, his third three-point game of the season.

But, yes, they can be better.

“I didn’t think my performance was really good today,” Pilut said, “but I got a couple lucky points and that’s a confidence-booster.”

Pilut leads AHL defensemen in scoring with 2 goals, 11 assists and 13 points in just seven games. He’s well aware, however, that he must play well at both ends of the ice, and he is.

“There’s no doubt in my mind this is a temporary thing,” Redmond said of Pilut’s time with the Amerks. “He’s kind of the new-age NHL package and sure he’ll be wearing a Sabres jersey before too long.”

The Amerks would certainly miss Pilut if and/or when he goes to the NHL for he first time. But they’d still have plenty of talent. They’re 6-2-1, and 6-0-1 since losing twice on opening weekend to the team with the AHL’s best record, the Charlotte Checkers (7-1).

“I’ve played on some good teams but this might be the best,” said Redmond, an eighth-year veteran. “I don’t want to jinx it but we’re headed in the right direction.”

The highlights