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AHL Utica Comets

Gameday: Comets vs. Rochester

January 3, 2014 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Utica Comets News Release


ROCHESTER AMERICANS (13-11-3-3) @ UTICA COMETS (11-16-1-2)

Utica Memorial Auditorium, 7 pm

Radio: 94.9 K-Rock

 Tonight's Game: Tonight marks the final of seven consecutive home games as the Rochester Americans return to the Mohawk Valley for the third time this season. The Comets have gone 4-1-0-1 over their past six games on home ice, which has accounted for nine of Utica's 15 points at The AUD.

When They Last Met: The Americans scored six goals against the Comets for the second time this season as they cruised to a 6-1 victory on Dec. 4. Benn Ferriero scored the only goal for Utica, a power-play marker, with 42 seconds left in the second period. Joe Cannata took the loss as he turned aside 10 of 13 shots before being removed in favor of Joacim Eriksson. The Swede made 13 saves on 16 shots and allowed three goals in a 2:21 span to begin the third period.

Comets Outlook: Pascal Pelletier, Colin Stuart and Darren Archibald each found the back of the net as the Comets defeated the Lake Erie Monsters 3-2 for the third time this season.  Joe Cannata turned aside 18 of 20 shots for his first win this season on home ice and his third victory overall. In addition to Pelletier and Archibald, defenseman Alex Biega recorded a multi-point game, which tied a career high.

Americans Outlook: Rochester is playing in its first AHL since Dec. 21 due to their recent participation in the Spengler Cup in Switzerland. Luke Adam (2-2-4) and Phil Varone (1-3-4) scored four points apiece but the Americans went 0-3 in the tournament and bowed out in the quarterfinals after a 6-3 loss to Team Canada. Alex Hutchings, Dan Catenacci and Joel Armia scored for Rochester in their final game, while Nathan Lieuwen made 29 saves on 34 shots against.

Pascal Pots The Points: With his three points (1-2-3) against the Monsters, Pascal Pelletier extended his team lead in points to 26 (6-20-26) this season. In addition to having eight more helpers than his nearest teammate, Pelletier has also moved into the AHL's top five in assists as his 20 are tied with Abbotsford's Chad Billings and Albany's Joe Whitney.

Golden Arches: Utica forward Darren Archibald has now found the back of the net in three consecutive games, dating back to Dec. 26's game against Binghamton.  The Newmarket, ON native's streak is currently tied for the longest goal-scoring streak in the AHL amongst active players.

The AUD's Top Ten-ant: Aided by their now current ten game streak of scoring at least one power-play goal on home ice, the Comets have moved into sole possession of sixth in the AHL on the power play, with a 20.3 percent conversion for the season. Utica has produced 13 power play goals on 47 opportunities over the ten game span, good for a 27.6% clip.

Joe Takes Down Another Foe: Joe Cannata has now started Utica's past three games and has gone 1-1-0-1 over that span. Cannata's win over Lake Erie marked the second team this season he has recorded a win against. Cannata has amassed a .904 save percentage over his three games played, along with a 2.92 goals against average.

Let It Biega: Defenseman Alex Biega has had a strong homestand thus far, with six points (1-5-6) over his past six games played. The current stretch, which has accounted for two-thirds of his offensive output this season, has also seen Biega record a +7 rating, which puts him into the positives (+1) on the season.

A Breath Of Fresh Eriksson: Goaltender Joacim Eriksson was recently re-assigned on loan to the Comets with Roberto Luongo's return to the Vancouver lineup. Eriksson leads Utica this season in wins (8), goals against average (2.77), save percentage (.907) and shutouts (2).

Scouting The Americans: Phil Varone leads all Rochester skaters with 27 points (6-21-27) over 30 games played. Varone's 21 assists rank fourth in the AHL in addition to leading the team.  Luke Adam leads the Americans and ranks seventh in the AHL with 14 goals. Adam is also tied for second in the league with eight power-play goals.

Defenseman Chad Ruhwedel leads all active Rochester defensemen with 14 points (4-10-14).  Ruhwedel's point total is currently good for fourth amongst all rookie blueliners this season.

Matt Hackett and Nathan Lieuwen have split goaltending duties for Rochester this season, with Hackett having appeared in a team high 20 games. Hackett also leads the team with eight victories, while Lieuwen has the upper hand with a .913 save percentage and a 2.78 goals against average.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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