COMETS TAKE FIRST WIN VS. MARLIES

Dec 7, 2016

Utica, NY - The Utica Comets defeated the Toronto Marlies by a score of 3-2 on Wednesday night at the Utica Memorial Auditorium.

Just 1:28 into the game, Brendan Leipsic converted on a shorthanded goal to give the Marlies an early lead. His eighth of the season was unassisted. At 11:10, Marco Roy scored his first goal as a Comet by beating Karri Ramo glove side. Pascal Pelletier and Alexandre Grenier assisted on the final goal of the frame.

During a high-shooting second period, Andreas Johnsson returned the Marlies to their one-goal lead just 4:27 into the stanza. His fifth of the year was assisted by Kerby Rychel and Kasperi Kapanen. The Comets tied the game back up with a goal from Jake Virtanen on the power play. His second of the year was assisted by Curtis Valk. The period concluded with the Comets outshooting Toronto 17-12 in the period.

The game entered the third period tied at two.  After back-and-forth action, Jordan Subban tallied the game winner at 14:33 with a shot from the point. Carter Bancks and Colby Robak assisted on the goal. Despite pulling the goalie with two minutes left, the Marlies were denied a comeback. Goaltender Thatcher Demko turned in another spectacular performance, stopping 32 of the 34 shots he faced. It was the sixth consecutive game Demko has allowed two goals or less as he improved to 7-4-1. Ramo fell in his first AHL game of the season with 33 saves.

The Comets power play went 1-6 on the night, while the penalty kill surrendered one goal in six attempts.

It was the third consecutive win for the Comets and their first of the season against the Marlies. The win brings the Comets record to 10-11-1-0 on the season.

The Comets are back in action Friday as they hit the road to take on the Binghamton Senators at the Floyd L. Maines Veterans Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. The game can be heard live on 94.9 KROCK or viewed on AHL Live.