AHL Springfield Thunderbirds

T-Birds Outpaced by Comets in Utica

Published on December 17, 2022 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Springfield Thunderbirds News Release


Springfield Thunderbirds' Greg Printz Battles Utica Comets' Nico Daws
Springfield Thunderbirds' Greg Printz Battles Utica Comets' Nico Daws
(Springfield Thunderbirds)

UTICA, N.Y. - The Springfield Thunderbirds (10-12-1-4) could not overcome an explosive offensive night by the Utica Comets (10-9-3-1) in a 7-3 Utica victory on Saturday night at Adirondack Bank Center.

Utica jumped to the offense immediately against a T-Birds team that had only allowed 11 first-period goals all season coming into Saturday's action. Defenseman Nikita Okhotiuk launched a point slapper that found its way over Joel Hofer on the blocker side, giving Utica the 1-0 edge at 2:23.

Like Friday night, the home side had a big shot edge, 14-8, through the opening 20 minutes. A familiar face added to the Comets' lead when Nolan Stevens took a centering pass from Joe Gambardella and snapped a forehander home to make it 2-0 at 14:48.

Things appeared even bleaker for the T-Birds when Nolan Foote squeaked a short-side shot through Hofer from the left side just 1:23 into the second, making it a 3-0 lead for the Comets.

Down, but not out, the Thunderbirds power play changed the tide at 8:26. Brady Lyle made a remarkable play to keep in a clearing attempt at the left point. The blue-liner immediately threw the puck to the net, where Hugh McGing chopped a rebound through Nico Daws to make it 3-1.

The Comets' penalty kill bounced back to keep the T-Birds two goals away, but a third Springfield power play brought another tally as Martin Frk fired a wrist shot from the point, creating a rebound off of Daws' pad. Nikita Alexandrov was positioned perfectly in the right circle to beat Daws and bring the deficit to 3-2 at 13:46.

Stevens responded not-so-kindly just 32 seconds later, winning a board battle and eventually finding the puck on his stick to the left of Hofer, where he beat his former teammate for the second time, making it 4-2 at 14:18.

Not to be outdone, the T-Birds made their own luck to conclude a 19-shot barrage in the period. As he was being hit down to the ice, Drew Callin wildly snapped a shot toward the goal near the right corner that squeezed through Daws' arm, restoring the one-goal game, 4-3, with just 1:45 left in the period.

Robbie Russo put the Thunderbirds' comeback hopes on the backburner when he slapped a point shot home at the 7:44 mark of the third period, making it a 5-3 Utica lead. Michael Vukojevic followed with his first goal of the year at 12:10, and the Comets' lead built to 6-3.

Sam Laberge added an empty-net marker to round out the scoring with just over four minutes remaining. Daws earned the victory despite allowing three goals on 32 shots.

The T-Birds continue their road trip with a visit to Hartford on Thursday night against the Wolf Pack inside XL Center.

Thunderbirds fans can reserve their seats for the 2022-23 season and lock in the best prices and member benefits by calling (413) 739-GOAL (4625) or visiting www.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com.

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Springfield Thunderbirds' Greg Printz Battles Utica Comets' Nico Daws
Springfield Thunderbirds' Greg Printz Battles Utica Comets' Nico Daws
   



American Hockey League Stories from December 17, 2022


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