ROCHESTER RETURNS TO UTICA FOR MIDWEEK BATTLE
Mar 10, 2021ROCHESTER AMERICANS (6-3) at UTICA COMETS (5-2-0-1)
Adirondack Bank Center-- Utica, NY
Watch Live: WPNY TV, AHLTV | Listen Live: 94.9 K-ROCK
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Tonight’s Game: In a week with three games in four nights, the Comets begin that journey at home against the Rochester Americans, the same team they last played on March 3 in a 4-2 loss at Blue Cross Arena in Rochester. Today’s rematch is the ninth game of the season for the Comets and the fifth time they play one another this season.
Last Game: The Comets five game point streak was snapped when Rochester handed them a 4-2 loss on March 3. Although the Comets came out to a 1-0 lead after team goal scoring leader Jonah Gadjovich struck less than one minute into the contest, Utica was unable to hold that lead. The other goal scored by the Comets was potted by rookie defenseman Jack Rathbone who now has a three game point streak. Jon Gillies, Comets netminder that night, took the loss and was recalled to the St. Louis Blues subsequent to the game.
Head-to-Head: Tonight’s game marks the fifth battle of the Comets and Americans. The record for Utica is 2-1-1 in the four previous games. The only time Rochester visited the Adirondack Bank center previously was on February 26. During that game, the contest tied at 2-2, the Comets thundered for five goals in the final period of regulation to skate away with a 7-2 victory. Rathbone registered three assists in his pro debut that night and Jonah Gadjovich struck for two goals, including the game winner and one an assist for a three-point night and the game’s number one star. Sven Baertschi also scored his first goal of the season.
Scouting the Americans: The Americans currently sit at fourth in the North Division of the Eastern Conference with nine points, one point ahead of the Comets but have played one more game than Utica. Jean Sebastien Dea leads Rochester with 12 points (4G, 8A) in eight games played this year. Steven Fogarty, who has five points (3G, 2A) in four games played against the Comets, is tied for second in team scoring with centerman Arrttu Ruotsalainen. Rochester goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, leads the team with seven games played and a record of 5-2. Three of those games were against the Comets winning two of those games.
Gadjovich Continues to Score: Tied for third in the league in goals scored, Jonah Gadjovich lit the lamp in seven times in eight games. In four games against tonight’s opponent, Gadjovich scored in each with five total goals to the lead the Comets with six points (5G, 1A). During the 7-2 Comets victory back on February 26 at home, Gadjovich was the game’s first star while scoring two goals including the game winner.
Next Game: The Comets are back in action at Adirondack Bank Center at 7pm against the Syracuse Crunch. The game will be broadcast on local WPNY TV, AHLTV and on the radio with 94.9 KROCK.