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AHL Utica Comets

Gameday: Comets vs Rochester

February 15, 2014 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Utica Comets News Release


UTICA COMETS (18-22-3-4) @ ROCHESTER AMERICANS (23-17-3-3)

Utica Memorial Auditorium, 7 pm

Radio: 94.9 K-Rock

Tonight's Game: The Rochester Americans visit The AUD to complete a home-and-home with the Comets, following last night's 7-3 Rochester victory. Tonight marks the Utica's first home game since Feb. 1, when they dropped a 2-1 decision to the Rockford IceHogs.

When They Last Met: Despite a 36-23 shots on goal advantage, the Comets were drubbed last night by the Americans, 7-3. Jamie Tardiff (2-1-3), Brayden McNabb (1-2-3) and Johan Larsson (0-3-3) led the way for Rochester, while blueliner Rasmus Ristolainen added two goals. Brandon DeFazio, Kent Huskins and Frank Corrado each scored for Utica, while Joacim Eriksson took the loss with 10 saves. Nathan Lieuwen made 31 saves as he defeated the Comets for the third time this season.

Comets Outlook: The Utica Comets remain in last place in both the North Division and Western Conference with 43 points. Utica has picked up points in seven of its past ten games and currently sits eleven points out of a playoff berth. A Utica win combined with a Lake Erie loss would move the Comets out of the basement in the conference.

Americans Outlook: Rochester enters tonight in second place in the North Division, while holding the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Americans currently sit three points above the ninth place Iowa Wild. Rochester has been on a tear as of late, with wins in nine of its last eleven games.

They've Got Our Number: Rochester is a familiar opponent for the Comets, but one with whom they have struggled greatly against. Utica has won just two of eight meetings between the two teams, and has lost the last three contests by a combined 18-6 margin.

The Faz And The Hound: Brandon DeFazio is currently the only Comet with points in back-to-back games, courtesy of his late goal against Rochester last evening. DeFazio is also one of three Comet skaters, along with Benn Ferriero and Alexandre Grenier, to appear in all 48 games this season to date.

O' Baby Come Back: The Comets have sorely missed the presence of Cal O'Reilly, who has been scratched for each of Utica's past five games with an upper body injury. The centerman has recorded 19 points (3-16-19) over 26 games played. Utica is currently just 5-13-2-2 without O'Reilly in the lineup, as opposed to 13-10-1-2 when he plays.

Road House: Despite last evening's set back against the Americans, the Comets have continued to play their best hockey this season behind enemy lines. Utica is one of just two teams in the Western Conference, along with Hamilton, with both more victories (10 to 8) and a higher winning percentage (.479 to .417) on the road.

Lepine And Dash: Defenseman Guillaume Lepine has continued to produce in limited minutes since he signed a PTO with Utica last week. The Quebec native has collected two points (0-2-2) over four games and has amassed 14 penalty minutes, including fighting majors against both Chicago and Iowa last week.

Front Row Joe: Goaltender Joe Cannata made his third relief appearance last night, to spell starter Joacim Eriksson. Cannata turned aside six of eight shots, and is currently riding a two game winning streak, dating back to Jan. 18. Cannata has recorded a .941 save percentage over his past three appearances.

Scouting The Americans: Center Luke Adam leads the way for Rochester in both goals and points, entering the week with 34 points (21-15-35) this season. Adam is one of just eight players in the AHL with 20 goals to date. Phil Varone leads the team with 26 assists and is second with 33 total points(8-25-33). Rochester recently received winger Linus Omark from Buffalo during the Olympic break. Omark had 29 points (14-15-29) in 29 AHL games this season with Oklahoma City, before he was traded to the Buffalo organization.

Defenseman Brayden McNabb has been the offensive catalyst from the blueline, with 25 points (6-19-25) over just 28 games played. McNabb is also behind just Adam for the team lead with a +14 rating.

Nathan Lieuwen and Matt Hackett have split the load in net for the Americans, with each netminder amassing at least 20 starts. Lieuwen's .923 save percentage and 2.40 goals against average are tops on the roster, while Hackett has a team high 13 victories. Lieuwen has also recorded two shutouts.

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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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