COMETS HOST CLEVELAND AND PUPPIES MONDAY
Mar 21, 2022The Last Time Out: The Previous Game: Saturday night the Utica entered the day with the longest active road win streak in the AHL, and led 1-0 early but Wilkes-Barre/Scranton would score three unanswered goals and ultimately win 3-2. It would take nearly the entire first period before a team would score. Frederik Gauthier created the first goal all himself. He poked the puck free in Utica’s end and collected it in the neutral zone. After beating two defenders, Gauthier would tuck the puck under the crossbar on a breakaway and make it a 1-0 game. Akira Schmid made seven saves in the period as Utica carried the lead into the break.
In the second, Wilkes-Barre Scranton would get two unanswered. First, Sam Poulin redirected a shot by Cam Lee past Schmid to make it 1-1 2:28 into the period. Just three minutes later, Jordy Bellerive would get the go ahead goal. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton added to their lead early in the third. Filip Hallander redirected a shot from Chris Bigras at 4:13 of the period and gave the Penguins a 3-1 lead. Utica had an empty net for the final two minutes, and AJ Greer tipped a puck in front to score a 6-on-5 goal with 7.6 seconds remaining. But, the Comets were defeated 3-2.
Comets Leading Scorers: The team’s leading scorers heading into the weekend is forwards Fabian Zetterlund with 20 goals and 23 assists for 43 points in 50 games played. Following him is rookie Alex Holtz with 21 goals and 21 assists for 42 points in 38 games. Third in scoring is Chase DeLeo, scoring 12 goals and 29 assists for 41 points in 38 games played. Leading Comets defenseman in scoring is Reilly Walsh leads all d-men in scoring with seven goals and 28 assists for 35 points in 53 games. Defenseman Tyler Wotherspoon leads the team in plus/minus with a +26 rating.
Special Teams Ranking: Heading into the week, the Comets begin with the 8th ranked power play operating at 20.8%. At home, their power play operates at 21.4%. On the road, their power-play strikes at 21.0%. On the penalty kill, Utica ranks 13th in the league at 81.6% while at home they are 87.4% and on the road they are 75.9% efficiency.
The North Division: The Comets have 18 games remaining in the schedule with 54 games played so far this season. They currently hold a record of 35-13-6 which gives them 76 points on the season and a winning percentage of .704. This leads all teams in the North and the Eastern Conference. The closest team’s point total to the Comets is Rochester with 66 points but they have played five more games than Utica.
Pucks and Pups on Tonight: We are excited to announce that Monday, March 21st will be Pucks and Pups! Fans can bring their dogs to come enjoy Comets hockey and all kinds of dog friendly vendors in the concourse. We'll have photo ops, toys and all kinds of fun for our good boys and girls. The first 100 dogs in attendance will receive a Utica Comets gift!