UTICA HEADS TO PROVIDENCE SUNDAY
Mar 27, 2022The Last Time Out: The Utica Comets took to the ice against their division rival, the Syracuse Crunch in front of a capacity crowd inside the Adirondack Bank Center and on the strength of two goals from Fabian Zetterlund, the team skated away with a 3-1 victory last Friday night. In 12 games played against Syracuse, the Comets have won nine times and only lost once in regulation.
After a scoreless first period, the Crunch struck first after a goal scored in the first minute of play when forward Cage Goncalves found room under just inside the post on Comets goalie Mareks Mitens at :51 seconds. Later the Comets tied the contest when Fabian Zetterlund took a nifty pass from Luke Stevens and struck into the gaping net at 3:55 tying the contest at 1-1. It was Zetterlund’s 22nd goal of the season and he added another goal less than four minutes later when he sent a wrist shot passed Crunch netminder Max Lagace at 7:29. This put Utica up 2-1.
The third period only showcased great saves from both goaltenders. In the final minute, with the goaltender pulled for the Crunch, Brian Flynn scored to seal the deal with a 3-1 win for Utica.
Comets Leading Scorers: The team’s leading scorers heading into tonight is forward Fabian Zetterlund with 23 goals and 24 assists for 47 points in 53 games played. Following him is rookie Alex Holtz with 21 goals and 21 assists for 42 points in 41 games. Third in scoring is Chase DeLeo, scoring 12 goals and 29 assists for 41 points in 40 games played. Leading Comets defenseman in scoring is Reilly Walsh leads all d-men in scoring with seven goals and 28 assists for 35 points in 56 games. Defenseman Tyler Wotherspoon leads the team in plus/minus with a +27 rating.
Special Teams Ranking: Heading into the week, the Comets begin with the 12th ranked power play operating at 20.1%. At home, their power play operates at 20.4%. On the road, their power-play strikes at 21.0%. On the penalty kill, Utica ranks 11th in the league at 81.7% while at home they are 86.8% and on the road they are 75.9% efficiency.
The North Division: The Comets have 15 games remaining in the schedule with 57 games played so far this season. They currently hold a record of 36-14-6 -1 which gives them 79 points and a winning percentage of .693. This leads all teams in the North and the Eastern Conference. The closest team to Utica’s point total is Syracuse with totaling 68 points.