COMETS AIM FOR THIRD STRAIGHT WIN AGAINST ROCHESTER
Nov 29, 2017UTICA COMETS (8-9-1) vs. ROCHESTER AMERICANS (11-5-3)
Adirondack Bank Center, 7 p.m.
Watch Live: AHL Live | Listen Live: 94.9 K-ROCK, Desktop or Mobile
Follow and Interact Live: Twitter | Hashtag: #RCHvsUTI
Tonight’s Game: The Utica Comets take on the Rochester Americans for the fifth time this season. Puck drop is at 7 p.m.
Last Game: The Utica Comets defeated the Laval Rocket by a score of 3-2 in a shootout Saturday night at Place Bell. Alexis D’Aoust netted the first goal of the game for the second straight night, converting on a one-time pass from Patrick Wiercioch six minutes into the game. Nikolay Goldobin also tallied an assist on the goal. Michael McCarron scored two goals in seven seconds to put Laval up 2-1 halfway through the third period. Reid Boucher tied the game with 42 seconds remaining in regulation. Philip Holm and Jayson Megna picked up the assists. The Comets had their chances in overtime but were unable to find a winner and the game would head to a shootout. Megna and Boucher both scored, and Demko stopped two of three shots in the shootout to secure the victory. Demko finished with 40 saves and his record improves to 6-5-1.
Head-to-Head: The Comets lead the season series 3-0-1 and won the most recent matchup 3-2 in a shootout back on November 4. The Comets have outscored the Amerks 13-7 this season.
Scouting the Americans: Rochester comes in with a record of 11-5-3 and sit in second place in the North Division. The Amerks are coming off a 4-3 overtime win over Binghamton Saturday. C. J. Smith leads the offense with 19 points, followed by Sahir Gill with 15 points. Linus Ullmark leads the goaltending tandem with a 9-3-1 record, a 2.94 goals-against average, and a .918% save percentage.
Tightening Up: After surrendering at least one power play goal in seven straight games, the Comets penalty kill has stepped up and not allowed a goal on the kill in two consecutive games. Utica ranks 11th in the AHL at 84.3% on the year.
Dominant: Reid Boucher and Michael Chaput have been on fire as of late. Boucher carries a three-game point streak into tonight and has points in five of the last six games. Chaput has points in seven of his last nine games as well.
Immediate Impact: Since his return from a stint in Vancouver, Patrick Wiercioch has made his presence felt right off the bat. Wiercioch has picked up two points (1-1-2) in three games. The defenseman has three points (2-1-3) total in five games this season.
Going for Three: The Comets will be searching for their third consecutive win heading into tonight’s contest. Utica has only one other three-game win streak this season, spanning from October 13 to October 21 with wins over Rochester and Syracuse.
Next Game: The Comets are back in action Friday night as they host the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Puck drops at 7 p.m. Fans are encouraged to utilize the ticket exchange website, StubHub!. The game can be heard on 94.9 KROCK and viewed on AHL Live.