COMETS SET TO WRAP UP SEASON SUNDAY
May 16, 2021Tonight's Game: Tonight’s game against the Rochester Americans marks the last game this season for the Comets. The last time they faced off, the Comets won a 1-0 decision in what was the first shutout in his second start for goaltender Evan Fitzpatrick. The Comets secured their fifth victory away from home on Friday night during the victory at the Blue Cross Arena in Rochester, NY with the only tally struck by forward Curtis McKenzie. The Comets ended their home portion of the season with 11 wins in 13 games while they have a chance to end the year just under .500 if they can once again defeat Rochester in the final game of the season.
Last Game: The only goal of the game was scored by veteran winger Curtis McKenzie who deflected a Josh Teves shot past Rochester goaltender Michael Houser on Friday night during the second period. Both teams had numerous opportunities to score including both teams with a five-minute major power play but neither team got on the board during a man-advantage. Rochester had six power-play opportunities to the Comets three during the game. The Amerks launched 33 shots on goal during the game but netminder Evan Fitzpatrick was magical making every single save including stopping numerous odd-man chances against.
Scouting the Americans: The Americans are led in scoring by Remi Elie who has skated 27 games for Rochester scoring nine goals while adding 10 assists for 19 points and Brett Murray with 26 games played totaling nine goals and 10 assists also for 19 points. Third in scoring for the Americans is Mersch who has eight goals and 10 assists for 18 points on the year while leading rookie scorer defenseman Laaksonen has 27 games played scoring two goals and 15 assists for 17 points. Goaltender Billy Christopoulos skated in one game against the Comets this season and took a loss on April 23rd in Rochester by a 7-5 score while Michael Houser took the loss in goal for Rochester on Wednesday night allowing three goals on 37 Comets shots and faced off against the Comets on Friday night allowing one goal on 27 shots against.
Jasek Leads the Way: Forward Lukas Jasek leads the Comets in points with four goals and 19 assists for 23 points in 27 games played. He did have a multi-point night on Wednesday at the Adirondack Bank Center and it was the fifth time this season Jasek ended a game with more than one point. Jasek ended a six game point streak last Wednesday which was his longest of the year. Forward Sam Anas is right behind Jasek with 22 games played, three goals and 19 assists for 22 points.
The End of an Era: Tonight marks the last game in eight seasons that the Utica Comets will take to the ice wearing the blue, green and white as the top affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks. After eight seasons, the team will become the AHL affiliate of the New Jersey Devils. The team skated off in their final home game on Wednesday night at the Adirondack Bank Center with a win and there is no doubt they would like to do that again with head coach Trent Cull in one final time as the Comets’ bench boss.