The Utica Comets (AHL) were outscored 12-5 in the week leading up to the AHL All-Star break. In losing two of three, Utica enters the break with the 31st-most points in the league and a 13-22-5-3 record.

With the NHL Olympic break, Utica did receive two reinforcements. New Jersey sent down forward Lenni Hämeenaho and defenseman Colton White in hopes of keeping them fresh. They each returned to the AHL lineup on Saturday, as Hämeenaho picked up an assist.

For last week’s review, please click here.

Weekly Results

Laval 6, Utica 2; Feb. 4

Utica was dominated in their first game of the week. Laval exploded for four goals in the first period and saw the scoreboard get to 5-0 before the Comets finally answered. Angus Crookshank scored the Comets’ first goal in period two and Josh Filmon got the second shortly after Laval made it 6-1. Cam Squires (six) and Ethan Edwards (eight) picked up the assists on Filmon’s goal.

That was all the scoring in the game, as Utica fell 6-2. Jakub Málek had a rare bad game, as he was pulled allowing 12 goals on 17 shots. Nico Daws replaced him and played better, stopping 15-of-16. Utica was outshot 33-26 in the game. Each team went scoreless on their respective power plays, combining to go 0-for-5.

Utica 2, Bridgeport 1 (SO); Feb. 6

It was a much more evenly contested game on Friday. Each team was held to a lone goal in regulation. Bridgeport struck first in the second but Utica responded shortly after. Shane Lachance scored his eighth of the season as Nathan Légaré (three) and Jack Malone (six) picked up the assists.

Teams were then scoreless in the extra frame bringing the game to the shootout. Bridgeport went scoreless through their three attempts and Topias Vilén scored the game-winner for Utica.

Bridgeport outshot the Comets 26-24, but Jakub Málek bounced back terrifically for the Comets after being pulled on Wednesday. He stopped 25-of-26 in victory. Utica went 0-for-4 on the man advantage in the game.

Rochester 5, Utica 1; Feb. 7

The week’s final game went much like the first game of the week. Rochester rolled over the Comets, scoring the game’s first three goals. The Americans jumped out to a 2-0 first period lead then extended it in the second. Utica was able to answer back finally in the third, as Topias Vilén scored on the power play. But, Rochester got the final two goals of the game spelling the end to a 5-1 Comets loss.

After playing well in relief of Málek on Wednesday, Nico Daws struggled in net, allowing four goals on 24 shots. Utica actually outshot Rochester 35-24, but Americans goaltender Devon Levi stole the show. As mentioned, due to the Olympic break, forward Lenni Hämeenaho was sent down to Utica to stay fresh. He picked up an assist in his first game back on the Vilén score.

Statistics Update

With the season reaching the All-Star break and Utica with 29 games remaining, let’s take a look at the team’s leading point scorers:

• Forwards:
  • Lenni Hämeenaho: 22 points (34 games)
  • Xavier Parent: 19 points (34 games)
  • Brian Halonen: 18 points (26 games)
  • Kyle Criscuolo: 18 points (33 games)
  • Angus Crookshank: 17 points (33 games)
  • Shane Lachance: 16 points (39 games)
• Defensemen:
  • Semaus Casey: 19 points (29 games)
  • Ethan Edwards: 14 points (40 games)
  • Calen Addison: 13 points (36 games)

Lastly, here are how the goalies are performing:

• Jakub Małek: 7-8-1, 0.893 save percentage, 2 shutouts (16 games)
• Nico Daws: 6-13-7, 0.881 save percentage, 1 shutout (28 games)

Below are where Utica as a team ranks:

• Goals For Per Game: 30th
• Goals Against Per Game: 25th
• Power Play: 30th
• Penalty Kill: 21st
• Shooting Percentage: 29th
• Save Percentage: 31st

Standings Update

As mentioned, Utica enters the break with a 13-22-5-3 record which ranks 31st in the league in both points and point percentage. They are 18 points back off the fifth and final playoff spot in the North Division. Their 43 games played is the second-fewest in the league.

Upcoming Schedule

The AHL Star festivities take place on February 10 and 11. The Comets will return to play after that with a back-to-back on Saturday and Sunday. They take on the Rochester Americans on Saturday in Utica then travel to Rochester for a 3:05 pm ET game on Sunday. Rochester occupies the final playoff spot in the North Division with a 23-16-4-2 record.