2022-23 Utica Comets and ECHL thread

[Bad Goalie]

Thank you! Based on your opinion, who do you think is the next up for a call to the big show out of the forwards?

Toss a coin. Foote/Thompson/Clarke. Not one of the 3 has been all that impressive. No one has been hit with a bad luck streak like posts or robbing type saves. They just haven't been making good on many many chances of which an awful lot have been shots that missed the net, failed multiple breakaways, failure to accept passes and likewise sent passes that were off target. They have not been able to shake any defender with any moves. Many turnovers. Bluntly put, they have just not been playing an A-game.

To be a sure thing for a callup, they should be on top of their game. Leading the team offensively. Always a threat to score. Standing out from the rest. Unfortunatley, this just hasn't been the case. They have blip and then they disappear. Steady production has not materialized. If they any of them get a call, it will be to fill a hole. Who knows what a change of scenery would do, But I get the feeling they know it isn't going well and they have no excuses for their own play. Squeezing the stick is the term I'd use and the composite slivers must be about to clog up the zamboni.

There aren't any other forwards on NJ contracts worth a look except possibly Pinho, who is not one of their prospects even though they gave him a 2-way contract. He would have to be a RW because he is not a competent AHL center let alone an NHL fill-in. I think NJ woul go with what they know and it would be one of the 3 mentioned and not a single one of them seems to be playing the kind of game that would make them desirable to the Devils at this juncture.

 

[NJ07102]

Toss a coin. Foote/Thompson/Clarke. Not one of the 3 has been all that impressive. No one has been hit with a bad luck streak like posts or robbing type saves. They just haven't been making good on many many chances of which an awful lot have been shots that missed the net, failed multiple breakaways, failure to accept passes and likewise sent passes that were off target. They have not been able to shake any defender with any moves. Many turnovers. Bluntly put, they have just not been playing an A-game.

To be a sure thing for a callup, they should be on top of their game. Leading the team offensively. Always a threat to score. Standing out from the rest. Unfortunatley, this just hasn't been the case. They have blip and then they disappear. Steady production has not materialized. If they any of them get a call, it will be to fill a hole. Who knows what a change of scenery would do, But I get the feeling they know it isn't going well and they have no excuses for their own play. Squeezing the stick is the term I'd use and the composite slivers must be about to clog up the zamboni.

There aren't any other forwards on NJ contracts worth a look except possibly Pinho, who is not one of their prospects even though they gave him a 2-way contract. He would have to be a RW because he is not a competent AHL center let alone an NHL fill-in. I think NJ woul go with what they know and it would be one of the 3 mentioned and not a single one of them seems to be playing the kind of game that would make them desirable to the Devils at this juncture.

Yeah, this is unfortunately it. Guys like Zetterlund and Boqvist looked way too good for the AHL and bringing them up was a total no brainer. But this year, there is nobody that stands out. Of the three, I'd probably chose Foote because to me, he looked the best of the three and he has some grit. But all in all, that trio has really disappointed.

 

[Bad Goalie]

Everyone agrees the Comets need a couple of veteran Centers.

Craig Smith (Bosto) and Austin Czarnik (Detroit) were placed on waivers for purposes of contract termination.

Smith (33) is .5 PPG NHL player over 8 seasons.

Czarnik (30) was a 1 PPG AHL player over 7 seasons while only a .31 NHL player.

If either of these guys gets through waivers NJ could easily scoop one or both of them up.
Smith maybe a decent 2-way with 1/2 of his $2 mil contract for the minors.
Czarnik already has a 2-way paying him $450K in the minors. That's about $1K more than they are paying Pinho, Russo, and Wotherspoon. They have the space in their restricted 50 man roster.

Comets have 7 players of either Vet or VE status, but 3 of them are depth D-man Dylan Blujus, and worthless LW Mason Geertsen, and often scratched Zach Senyshyn.

If NJ were to acquire both of them, 2 of the guys I just mentioned would be scratched. It happens to Blujus on most nights anyways. Senyshyn has been a healthy scratch of late and No one would notice Geertsen's absence.

If only1 of them were to be acquired, 1 of the 3 already mentioned would get scratched or any of the others that don'rt play every game: Hutchison, Halonen, Talvitie, or Dugan.

This is probably barking at the wind on my part, but here are 2 centers worth a contract.

 

[Devs3cups]

Anybody know where I could find PP points for AHL players? I know QuantHockey keeps track of PPG, but I’d like to look at PP assists… Does anybody know a site? Thanks!

 

[UticaHockey]

Anybody know where I could find PP points for AHL players? I know QuantHockey keeps track of PPG, but I’d like to look at PP assists… Does anybody know a site? Thanks!

It looks like PP points are available on the AHL website. When in the stats screen click the "Expanded" link near the top.

TheAHL.com | The American Hockey League

theahl.com

 

[Devs3cups]

It looks like PP points are available on the AHL website. When in the stats screen click the "Expanded" link near the top.

TheAHL.com | The American Hockey League

theahl.com

Lol didn’t see that! Thanks a whole lot!

 

[Bad Goalie]

Former Utica Comet, Michael Carcone of the Tuscon Roadrunners, leads the AHL in scoring with 13G/23A/36Pts in 24 GP.
Utica's leading scorer is Brian Pinho with 8G/10A/18Pts in 22 GP ranking him at #86 tied with a bunch of other players.

 

[Bad Goalie]

Mackenzie Blackwood was recalled to NJ on Saturday.
Isaac Poulter was returned to Adirondack on Sunday.

That leaves Nico Daws as the only goalie on the Utica roster.

After searching for some news on Akira Schmid, I have drawn blanks.

Anyone got some news on his whereabouts?
Still in NJ?
Comets will play the Cleveland Monsters tomorrow (Tuesday) in Cleveland. A backup is required to be on the bench.
Last time something like this occurred David Tomeo was signed to a PTO and sat on the bench. He hadn't played at a competitive level of any kind in 3 years and had never played an AHL game. However, we were informed in advance as to his signing.
In the past the Comets also acquired and signed a PTO tender in the away city.
This is not a smart way to do things. If no Schmid, at least keep Poulter for a little while longer. After 2 games in Cleveland the Comets are off for the Christmas Holiday until the 28th for an away contest in Rochester.

I'd like to believe this is needless concern on my part, but.........

 

[tailfins]

Repo

Mackenzie Blackwood was recalled to NJ on Saturday.
Isaac Poulter was returned to Adirondack on Sunday.

That leaves Nico Daws as the only goalie on the Utica roster.

After searching for some news on Akira Schmid, I have drawn blanks.

Anyone got some news on his whereabouts?
Still in NJ?
Comets will play the Cleveland Monsters tomorrow (Tuesday) in Cleveland. A backup is required to be on the bench.
Last time something like this occurred David Tomeo was signed to a PTO and sat on the bench. He hadn't played at a competitive level of any kind in 3 years and had never played an AHL game. However, we were informed in advance as to his signing.
In the past the Comets also acquired and signed a PTO tender in the away city.
This is not a smart way to do things. If no Schmid, at least keep Poulter for a little while longer. After 2 games in Cleveland the Comets are off for the Christmas Holiday until the 28th for an away contest in Rochester.

I'd like to believe this is needless concern on my part, but.........

As per the Devils team news thread, plan is to send Schmid down

 

[UticaHockey]

Mackenzie Blackwood was recalled to NJ on Saturday.
Isaac Poulter was returned to Adirondack on Sunday.

That leaves Nico Daws as the only goalie on the Utica roster.

After searching for some news on Akira Schmid, I have drawn blanks.

Anyone got some news on his whereabouts?
Still in NJ?
Comets will play the Cleveland Monsters tomorrow (Tuesday) in Cleveland. A backup is required to be on the bench.
Last time something like this occurred David Tomeo was signed to a PTO and sat on the bench. He hadn't played at a competitive level of any kind in 3 years and had never played an AHL game. However, we were informed in advance as to his signing.
In the past the Comets also acquired and signed a PTO tender in the away city.
This is not a smart way to do things. If no Schmid, at least keep Poulter for a little while longer. After 2 games in Cleveland the Comets are off for the Christmas Holiday until the 28th for an away contest in Rochester.

I'd like to believe this is needless concern on my part, but.........

Meeting the team in Cleveland.

 

[Bad Goalie]

AHL trades do take place. Anaheim, Detroit, and Florida worked out a 3-way trade.

Michael Del Zotto acquired by Anaheim from Florida.
Danny O'Regan acquired by Detroit from Anaheim.
Giavanni Smith acquired by Florida from Detroit.

All 3 were playing for their NHL team's AHL farm. NJ should work out such an AHL deal for a center.

Better yet. Center Austin Czarnik cleared waivers yesterday. He has amassed 14 pts in 12 games for AHL Grand Rapids. He was reportedly placed on waivers for the purpose of being released. I reported this yesterday. He would be a great pickup for the Comets to help with their desperate need for centers. He is free for the taking and a contract.

 

[Triumph]

AHL trades do take place. Anaheim, Detroit, and Florida worked out a 3-way trade.

Michael Del Zotto acquired by Anaheim from Florida.
Danny O'Regan acquired by Detroit from Anaheim.
Giavanni Smith acquired by Florida from Detroit.

All 3 were playing for their NHL team's AHL farm. NJ should work out such an AHL deal for a center.

Better yet. Center Austin Czarnik cleared waivers yesterday. He has amassed 14 pts in 12 games for AHL Grand Rapids. He was reportedly placed on waivers for the purpose of being released. I reported this yesterday. He would be a great pickup for the Comets to help with their desperate need for centers. He is free for the taking and a contract.

You reported this yesterday and no one corrected you on it, but it was not correct information. Other players placed on waivers were subject to contract termination, but neither Smith nor Czarnik were. The Devils can't afford Smith, Czarnik is unlikely to be traded.

 

[Bad Goalie]

You reported this yesterday and no one corrected you on it, but it was not correct information. Other players placed on waivers were subject to contract termination, but neither Smith nor Czarnik were. The Devils can't afford Smith, Czarnik is unlikely to be traded.

I read the release as 5 players waived in order to be released. Re-reading said 3 released and the other 2 simply waived. Czarnik has been reassigned to Grand Rapids after clearing. Too bad, he would be a good fit.

Comets will keep plugging on with Talvitie, Hutchison, Stevens, Pinho, and Schmelzer.
Pinho belongs on the wing.
Schmelzer is a very good #3/4.
Stevens is on a good streak. IF he can keep it up, a very satisfactory #3/4 with Schmelzer based upon which is clicking at the moment at #3. His history questions that likelihood.

Talvitie and Hutchison have been playing because there's nobody else. Aarne has played RW for the Comets and was better with a whole lot less responsibility, but is really best as a depth player. Hutchison has recently been a healthy scratch and should actually remain such until injury or illness requires his presence.

 

[Bad Goalie]

12/20/2022
Utica Comets at Cleveland Monsters

Final Score
Utica 4 Cleveland 3

SOG:
Comets - 10 15 16 = 41
Monsters - 9 9 6 = 23

PP:
Comets - 2/5
Monsters - 1/3

Scoring:
Thompson (6) from Gambardella (6) PP
Clarke (6) from Stevens (7) and Russo (8)
Clarke (7) from Walsh (12) and Stevens (8) PP
Laberge (6) from Wotherspoon (6)

Comets trailed in the 2nd period 3-0 and it ended 3-1.

They scored all 3 goals in the 3rd with Laberge notching the game winner at 19:45. Sam continues to match Thompson in goals.

Schmid played goal for the Comets and stopped 20 of 23. All 3 goals against came in the 2nd period.

Comets have had great success vs the 4th place Monsters winning all, 3 games thus far. Game #4 will be coming up on Thursday.

 

[HBK27]

 

[FooteBahl]

I always knew we got the better Hughes, Clarke and Thompson

 

[Bad Goalie]

Clarke has climbed out of the doldrums. A couple of weeks back (Dec. 8) I posted Clarke was heating up having put up 3G and 2A in his last 6 GP.

On Dec. 9th I posted that his current numbers matched his finish last season at .5 PPG. That night he would score the winning goal in a Comets 3rd period comeback just 20 some seconds after Stevenson had tied it. Both goals were of the hi-light reel goal variety with fantastic individual efforts in w2hich both guys walked a forward and put a D-man down before wiring top shelf glove side goals on the Amerks, Houser. That goal was like a coming out party for Graeme at this point in his season.

He has slowly inched his way up the Comets scoring list until currently he has moved into the 2nd spot with 17 points. 1 pt behind a sagging Pinho.

Meanwhile, Thompson has scored 2 goals in the last 2 games to 6G in 21 GP. That number matches 3/4 line winger Samuel Laberge, who has scored 4 goals in his last 4 games including the winner last night and now has 6G in 17 GP.

Foote -
(13 in 25GP)
and
Thompson -
(13 in 21 GP)............
are now in a 3-way tie for 5th in scoring with..........

ANDREAS JOHNSON -
(13 in 12 GP

Clarke is the prospect who is making hay as of today with the Comets having played 24 games.

2 points separates the number 3 team, Syracuse - 28Pts, from 5th place Utica - 26Pts, with Cleveland in between 1 point behind Syracuse with 27 Pts.

6/7 Belleville and Laval are right there trailing the Comets with 24 Pts. each.

Rochester is in 2nd 2 points ahead of Syracuse.

Only Toronto has a lead over its closest challenger of more than 2 points. They lead Rochester by 6 points.

It's a rat race Division with 6 teams separated by a mere 6 points. You can't afford to lose if you want to create some kind of cushion between yourself and the teams following you.

 

[Emperoreddy]

Clarke seems to have figured it out.

 

[Zippy316]

Clarke should 100% be getting a call up after the roster freeze.

Devils can barely trust Holtz/Johnsson to play more than 7/8 minutes in a game, Clarke has to be able to offer that at the minimum.

Also would be some motivation for him with the Devils playing the Kings in mid-January. A call up and a stretch of good play and he has the chance to face off against his brother a couple weeks down the road.

 

[Emperoreddy]

 

[PizzaAndPucks]

Team has strung together 4 straight wins. 7-2-1 in the month of December. Schmid being back down means they should have riable goaltending for the most part. Good to see Clarke step it up latley too.

 

[Jersey Fan 12]

Which D gets recalled with Marino and Graves injuries?

 

[PizzaAndPucks]

Which D gets recalled with Marino and Graves injuries?

They called up Ohoktyuk yesterday.

 

[Bad Goalie]

Team has strung together 4 straight wins. 7-2-1 in the month of December. Schmid being back down means they should have riable goaltending for the most part. Good to see Clarke step it up latley too.

I just recently posted that Clarke had emerged from the doldrums.
You say he has stepped it up lately.
He has done much more than we both posted.

The guy has SELF IMMOLATED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In his last 8 games he has scored 6 goals and recorded 5 assists.
The results of the last 2 games in Cleveland, 2 Goals followed by 2 Goals and an Assist, has seen him soar to the top of the team scoring with 21 points.

Right behind him is Nolan Stevens.
In their last 12 games both have scored 8G and 6A.That moved Stevens into a 2nd place tie with Pinho, who has accumulated 7 assists in those same 12 games.
Both Stevens and Pinho are now at 18 points.

Foote (26GP) and Thompson (22GP) are still at 13 along with the Comets only other NJ acquisition this off season, Dugan (23GP). Schmelzer has also caught them (22GP). Those 13 points ties all of them with Johnsson who did it in 11GP.

Gambardella is rapidly catching up with 11Pts in 17GP. He has amassed 10 of those 11 in his last 8 games! Like Stevens and Clarke, he too is in fuego. After the 1st 2 games he missed the next 9 with a medical problem. He took a little time to shake off the rust and then his passes were not converted by line mates who couldn't hit the net. If you check out Stevens and Clarke's recent numbers you will find Gambardella figuring in a lot. The lines have been Gambardella/Stevens/Clarke or Gambardella/Schmelzer/Clarke. Note, it should come as no surprise the hot players are mostly playing together.

Meanwhile Foote/Pinho/Thompson continue to struggle. Of those 7 assists by Pinho mentioned above only 3 of them were on a goal by his wingers, Thompson (1) and Foote (2). They are not a top scoring line, but are considered the #1 line. Gambardella/Stevens/Clarke are much more dangerous and effective.

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

Clarke scored again tonight