The Utica Comets (AHL) had a rare week of only playing one game. In that lone contest, the Comets dropped a 4-3 overtime decision to the Hershey Bears in Utica this past Saturday. Goaltender Nico Daws struggled once again, mustering 14 stops off 18 shots.
For last week’s review, please click here.
Weekly Results
Bears 4, Comets 3; Jan. 31
Despite dominating the shot differential, the Comets were on the losing side of a 4-3 overtime decision against the Hershey Bears. Utica outshot the Bears 33-18 in the game and 10-3 in the third period.
The Comets were playing behind early as Hershey scored just over four minutes into the contest. Brian Halonen then continued his heater, on the power play, knotting the game back up at one late in the opening period. It was his 14th goal of the season and his 12th in his last 16 games. Unfortunately, for Utica, Hershey followed that goal up just 30 seconds later with a tally of their own to take a 2-1 lead into the first intermission.
The second period saw the Comets outscore Hershey 2-1. Cam Squires and Ethan Edwards scored in the frame. Edwards’ goal was superb, as he denied a zone entry then sniped one home. It was his sixth of the season. Then as mentioned, Utica outshot Hershey 10-3 in the final frame, but despite that, were held scoreless and the game went to an extra period.
In that extra frame, Hershey’s Ivan Miroschnichenko scored his second of the game to give the Bears the extra point in Utica. The Comets outshot Hershey 33-18 overall but starting goaltender Nico Daws was only able to make 14 saves. Bears’ goaltender Mitch Gibson stole the show, making 30 stops.
Roster Update
Instead of the typical statistical update, why not take a look at the current state of the Comets’ roster:
According to Ben Birnell of the Rome Sentinel, defenseman Austin Strand and forward Matyas Melovksy remain out with injury. Strand has not played since December 28 and Melovksy since December 20. Additionally, defenseman Seamus Casey and forward Xavier Parent are both presumed injured as well. Parent took a huge hit last week and has not played since. Lastly, forward Marc McLaughlin has not played all season, he is technically still listed on the New Jersey Devils roster as he has been injured since camp.
Utica has also lost some players to the NHL as well. Notably defenseman Colton White and forward Lenni Hämeenaho are with the big club.
Standings Update
With the overtime loss, Utica dropped to 12-20-5-3 on the season. Their 32 points still ranks second-to-last in the AHL as a whole. They are now 16 points off the final playoff spot in the North Division. Utica’s 40 games played is the fewest in the league as they still have 32 to play.
Upcoming Schedule
The Comets are back to the more typical three game slate this week. They open the week in Laval on Wednesday then finish with a back-to-back Friday and Saturday at home against Bridgeport and Rochester, respectively. Laval is the top team in the North Division while Rochester occupies that fifth and final playoff spot in the North. Meanwhile, Bridgeport sits sixth in the Atlantic Division.