THATCHER DEMKO'S SHUTOUT GIVES COMETS FOURTH CONSECUTIVE WIN
Mar 4, 2017Utica, NY – Thatcher Demko made 38 saves for his first professional shutout as the Utica Comets beat the Albany Devils by a score of 3-0.
The teams battled to a scoreless tie through the first 20 minutes. Demko turned aside 11 shots while Devils netminder Mackenzie Blackwood stopped six shots.
Jake Virtanen broke open the scoring eight minutes into the second period with a one-timer from Evan McEneny. After a video review, the goal stood with Cody Kunyk collecting the secondary assist. Virtanen scored his sixth of the year breaking a 16-game goalless drought. 4:05 later, Wacey Hamilton scored on a rebound attempt to give the Comets a 2-0 lead. Colby Robak and Ashton Sautner assisted on his eighth of the year. Demko stopped 16 shots in the fame to carry the lead into the third period.
At 7:02 of the third period and one second left in a Comets power play, Borna Rendulic scored on a one-timer from Pascal Pelletier. His tenth of the year was also assisted by Pelletier and Mike Zalewski. The Comets finished the period without allowing a goal despite a late surge by the Devils.
Demko improved his record to 13-11-4 with 38 saves. Blackwood made 24 saves but his record dropped to 11-10-2.
The Comets scored once on four power play opportunities while the team killed all four penalties.
The Comets return to The AUD tomorrow after afternoon against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers at 3 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.
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