Pietila's Pair Lift Devils to OT Win
December 14, 2016 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany Devils News Release
UTICA, NY - Blake Pietila scored two goals, including the overtime winner, to help the Albany Devils to a 3-2 victory against the Utica Comets Wednesday at the Utica Memorial Auditorium. The victory ends a three-game slide for the Devils, who improve to 14-11-0-1. The Comets move to 10-12-2-1.
Pietila's 10th goal of the season and team-high tying third game-winner came following an offensive-zone faceoff. The Devils' forward made a play for the puck from his knees. After overpowering two Comets, Pietila stood and fired a shot into the upper corner at 4:20.
The 23-year-old, who has two goals and two assists in the last three outings, was also responsible for the game's first goal. Brian Gibbons worked the puck down low and Blake Coleman's wrap-around attempt popped to Pietila above the crease at 12:07 of the first.
The Comets' Alexandre Grenier responded just 32 seconds later to tie the game.
In the second, Ben Sexton's fifth goal of the season, which came at 4:50 of the second with assists form John Quenneville and Petr Straka made it a 2-2 game. Again, however, Utica had a quick response, scoring a 1:03 later thanks to Pascal Pelletier.
Netminder Mackenzie Blackwood registered his fifth victory of the season. He had 19 saves. At the other end, Thatcher Demko turned away 30 shots in the losing effort.
Next up, the Devils travel to face the Toronto Marlies Saturday at 1:30 pm at Air Canada Centre.
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