COMETS PACK HOUSE, BEAT PHANTOMS 3-1
Dec 30, 2022Utica, N.Y.— In the midst of their best stretch of the season, the Comets came rolling back into the Adirondack Bank Center to battle the Atlantic Division’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms. The team’s power-play along with Nolan Foote powered the team to a victory along with the continued point streaks of Reilly Walsh and Graeme Clark. When the crowd roared for the final buzzer, the team celebrated a 3-1 win. The Comets have now taken points in six straight games.
In the opening period, the game went without a goal and the teams skated into the dressing rooms looking for offense. While the Comets registered six shots on goal, they only allowed three during the scoreless frame. As the second period started, the Comets registered their first goal of the period and did so on the man-advantage. It was Nolan Foote who located the puck in the slot and slipped it past goalie Pat Nagle at 7:22. The goal. Foote’s 11th of the season was assisted by Reilly Walsh, who extended his point streak to four games and Graeme Clarke, who extended a point streak to six games. Later, the Phantoms tied the contest after Max Willman struck at 12:21 making it a 1-1 contest. But, it didn’t take long for the Comets and Nolan Foote to impose their will again. Foote deflected a perfect pass by Walsh into the net at 17:59 for his 12th of the season. The goal was also assisted by Clarke. The period concluded 2-1 for Utica.
In the final period of play, the Comets and Phantoms exchanged great chances, but the goalies were excellent. The home team added one more goal and it was Nolan Stevens from Robbie Russo and Clarke for the insurance marker at 17:58 for Steven’s ninth goal of the year. The Comets skated away with the victory by a 3-1 score.
The Comets power-play went 2 for 3 on the night while the Phantoms went scoreless on two chances. Schmid finished the game with 15 saves on 16 shots. The Phantom’s Pat Nagle stopped 19 of 22.
The Comets are back on the ice starting tomorrow against Belleville Senators at 7:00 PM. Tickets are still available. They will head out on the road to play the Marlies on Tuesday night in Toronto.