Utica Squeezes Past Iowa 3-2 in a Shootout
February 5, 2014 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Iowa Wild News Release
Des Moines, IA - The Iowa Wild (19-16-5-4, 47 points) were defeated by the Utica Comets (17-22-2-4, 40 points) 3-2 in a shootout in front of 4,020 fans at Wells Fargo Arena on Wednesday night. Utica defenseman Alex Biega scored in the ninth round of a sudden death shootout, helping the Comets edge the Wild. Despite the loss, the team extended its season-high points streak to nine games (4-0-3-2). Iowa also played in its sixth straight game that needed overtime or a shootout to decide a winner. Comets goalie Joe Cannata (5-10-1) stopped 43 of 45 in regulation and seven of nine attempts in the shootout win. Wild goalie John Curry (4-2-2) took the decision, replacing Johan Gustafsson (stopped 7 of 9) to start the second period. Curry finished with 27 saves on 27 shots in regulation and six of nine in the shootout loss. Wild forwards Carson McMillan and Zack Phillips each scored in regulation. Iowa hosts Chicago at 7:05 p.m. on Friday night.
Iowa jumped out to a 1-0 lead at 6:17 of the first period. Defenseman Jon Landry hit forward Carson McMillan with a stretch pass at center ice, springing McMillan for a breakaway. McMillan carried the puck towards the Comets crease and slipped a backhand shot past Joe Cannata for the 1-0 lead. Defenseman Jonathon Blum added an assist on McMillan's 11th goal of the season. Utica countered with a power-play goal by Niklas Jensen at 14:44. Benn Ferriero and Patrick Mullen each had an assist on Jensen's eighth goal of the season, tying the game 1-1. With less than a minute remaining in the first period, Colin Stuart pushed Utica in front 2-1 with a shorthanded goal at 19:18. Jeremy Welsh added an assist on Stuart's 11th goal of the year.
The Wild used its power play to tie the game 2-2 at 5:59 of the second period. Zack Phillips rifled a shot from the top of the right-wing circle, beating Cannata high on the blocker side. Phillips ninth goal of the year was set up by Steven Kampfer and Landry.
After a scoreless third and overtime, the two teams skated to a shootout. Utica's Alex Biega, Patrick Mullen and Jeremy Welsh each scored in the nine-round shootout. Utica goalie Joe Cannata stopped seven of nine attempts to secure the shootout win. Iowa's Brian Connelly and Zack Phillips scored in the shootout. Wild goalie John Curry stopped six of nine attempts.
Iowa hosts the Chicago Wolves on Friday, February 7th at 7:05 p.m. Friday's game is a $2 Beer Night, presented by 100.3 The Bus. Every Friday, fans (21 and over) may purchase $2, ten-ounce domestic drafts through the first period of play. The game also includes the Equipment Drive for Courage League Sports, presented by Scheels. The Iowa Wild will be collecting new or gently used sports equipment to benefit Courage League Sports, an adaptive sports/recreation facility serving kids and young adults.
Fans may purchase single game tickets multiple ways, either through the team's website - www.Iowawild.com, Wells Fargo Arena box office or Dahl's Ticketing. Tickets are available online at www.iowawild.com under the single game tickets tab. Fans may also purchase tickets by calling 1-866-55-DAHLS (32457) or by visiting one of 13 Dahl's Food Stores locations in the greater Des Moines area, and in Ames. In order to purchase group tickets (10 or more), please call the Iowa Wild ticketing department at 515-564-8700. Fans interested in buying full season, or smaller season packages may call the Iowa Wild front office at 515-564-8700.
The Iowa Wild regular season is presented by Mercy Medical Center. Season tickets to see the Wild play at Wells Fargo Arena start at just $9 per game. For more information on tickets, please contact the Wild ticket office by calling 515-564-8700 or go to www.iowawild.com .
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