Mgd31
Registered User
Utica has points in 8 straight games.
2023-24 Utica Comets and ECHL thread
- Thread starter NJDevs26
- Start date
Aside from MacKinnon the rest are take your pick. I don't see any as NHL worthy at the moment, but Misyul may be the best. Hatakka can play either side. None are really physical.
PizzaAndPucks
New Jersey Angels diehard
- Nov 29, 2018
- 2,986
- 4,802
Watched the highlights.
Schmid let in 3 goals on 39 shots , good for a .923 sv%. Not bad. 2 of the goalsnwere deflections a few feet from the crease and the other was a shot has screened on by a mess of bodies. Looks like he had a solid game. They got the win and hopefully this builds him up.
Schmid let in 3 goals on 39 shots , good for a .923 sv%. Not bad. 2 of the goalsnwere deflections a few feet from the crease and the other was a shot has screened on by a mess of bodies. Looks like he had a solid game. They got the win and hopefully this builds him up.
He really struggles with long shots he is partially screened on. He doesn't try to look around, under or through the bodies. He just kind of stands there or worse drops to his knees and seems to hope the shot hits him. If it's high, it's in. It's not the way to deal with situations where your vision is blocked.
I don't know about NHL goals against, but he seems to be beaten high on most of the goals he gives up here while on his knees, often way too early. It is really obvious during warmups.
With Hatakka in NJ, the Comets only have 5 healthy D-men and that includes Adirondack call-up Felix who has been here since 1/8, but has not played in a game.. So, unless Jersey is sending Foote back and it hasn't been posted yet or Vukojevic is ready to play, Felix will be in the lineup.
The only other possibility is another D is called up or Dineen goes with 5 D. The latter
would make absolutely no sense since he already has the 6th guy in house.
Rochester is here tonight at 7.
The only other possibility is another D is called up or Dineen goes with 5 D. The latter
would make absolutely no sense since he already has the 6th guy in house.
Rochester is here tonight at 7.
The Comets will reach the halfway mark of the 23-24 season Saturday night with Game #36 in Syracuse.
Currently they cling precariously to 6th place in the 7 team AHL North with 35 points, 1 ahead of the Toronto Marlies. with games vs Rochester (Fri) and Syracuse (Sat) they could find themselves right back in the basement they just escped from with their 4-3 victory over Belleville (Wed).
The North Division is a glommed up mess:
Cleveland 48
Syracuse 44
Belleville 40
Rochester 38
Laval 36
Utica 35
Toronto 34
There isn't a team in this Division anywhere near out of the playoffs. Teams 4 and 5 will play a best of 3 to earn the right to take on the #1 seed. Only teams 6 and 7 miss the rodeo. Right now 5 teams, 3-7, are candidates to finish anywhere from 3 to 7. 36 more games to play after each team hits 36 already played. Cleveland , Belleville ,and Laval all hit 36 played tonight. Rochester and Utica will play #36 tomorrow. Toronto will have played 35 after the weekend.
Utica's D-Corps is decimated. Nemec is long gone. Great for the kid. Foote and Hatakka are in NJ and Vukojevic is injured, but we have no idea how seriously. Utica has not as of 3:10 listed a call-up, So, either Vuk is okay or Felix will join MacKinnon in the lineup. Felix is a right shot D-man. He will join Russo as the only other one. Wotherspoon (left shot) has been playing RD since Nemec left. Hatakka moved there when Vuk went down, but now he's gone.
Currently they cling precariously to 6th place in the 7 team AHL North with 35 points, 1 ahead of the Toronto Marlies. with games vs Rochester (Fri) and Syracuse (Sat) they could find themselves right back in the basement they just escped from with their 4-3 victory over Belleville (Wed).
The North Division is a glommed up mess:
Cleveland 48
Syracuse 44
Belleville 40
Rochester 38
Laval 36
Utica 35
Toronto 34
There isn't a team in this Division anywhere near out of the playoffs. Teams 4 and 5 will play a best of 3 to earn the right to take on the #1 seed. Only teams 6 and 7 miss the rodeo. Right now 5 teams, 3-7, are candidates to finish anywhere from 3 to 7. 36 more games to play after each team hits 36 already played. Cleveland , Belleville ,and Laval all hit 36 played tonight. Rochester and Utica will play #36 tomorrow. Toronto will have played 35 after the weekend.
Utica's D-Corps is decimated. Nemec is long gone. Great for the kid. Foote and Hatakka are in NJ and Vukojevic is injured, but we have no idea how seriously. Utica has not as of 3:10 listed a call-up, So, either Vuk is okay or Felix will join MacKinnon in the lineup. Felix is a right shot D-man. He will join Russo as the only other one. Wotherspoon (left shot) has been playing RD since Nemec left. Hatakka moved there when Vuk went down, but now he's gone.
Right now I'd like to look at the Comets roster for next season based upon the current roster.
On D:
Misyul and Vilen will still be on ELCs
Hatakka and Vukojevic will be RFAs.
Unless the Devils are crazy and do some wild shit, these 4 likely return to Utica.
Wotherspoon becomes a UFA and I believe he has aged out of the reason for NJ to re-sign him. He will only be 31, but he has become too slow, coughs up the puck a lot, has become a weak passer., and there must be somebody younger to give a NJ contract. If MacKinnon works to re-sign him to an AHL deal it would mean no other NHL team has any interest either. The deal would be a 1-way AHL deal like Russo's.
Robbie Russo is in exactly the same boat as Wotherspoon except he is already on an 1-yr 1-way AHL contract. That could mean he'd be willing to sign for another year. MacKinnon loves to re-up guys who are already here as it saves the problem of having to hunt for new blood. That could mean we see Russo and Wotherspoon for another season when the Comets would be better served by younger players. They would fill veteran roles on AHL salaries. That would suck. The veteran contracts should go to more talented and preferably younger guys.
Cal Foote becomes an RFA at the end of this season and will turn 26 in December and is arbitration eligible. His qualifying offer is $997,500. I can't see where he has proven he deserves a new NHL 2-way beyond this ammount if the Devils are interested. He also will be a vet just like othersppon and Russo. They could simply not offer to qualify him and let him walk. He's up in the air as of now.
Right now it's Hatakka, Misyul, Vilen, and Vukojevic.
Foote is an arbitration eligible RFA. They probably give him a year to help the Comets younger guys.
Wotherespoon, Russo, and Foote are on the ledge. Keeping 3 vets on D is not the way to go. 2 should be the max and combine them with 4 forwards.
I don't see MacKinnon as a valuable commodity beyond what he got this year, a 2-way AHL deal where he is assigned to Adirondack.
In Goal:
Kallgren will be a UFA and I don't see any reason to re-sign him.
Schmid and Daws are RFAs and Schmid is arbitration eligible. I don't know what their plans are, but if neither is traded, I see both getting new contracts with the Devils. Who, if either, is in Utica I don't know.
After seeing how things went this season, I'd get Poulter under contract. At worst he is the Comets best bet for backup.
Brennan should be in the Adirondack regualr rotation. If he can't step in and become #1 or 1A there he shouldn't be considered for the AHL. He has only managed 5 starts in Adirondack thus far this season. Staying healthy should be the #1 goal for his future at the moment. Anything else would be gravy.
DIDN'T MEAN TO POST THIS YET. THE FORWARDS ARE LAST FOR THIS POST.
The Prospects:
The only forward prospects on the roster this sesaon are Clarke and Stillman. Both will still be on ELCs. I don't anticipater either cracking the NHL roster. Unless either or both are involved in trades, they will be Comets.
Halonen was signed out of college so he is actually a prospect. He becomes an RFA at season's end so I expect he will get a new contract. and get assigned to Utica.
Also on NJ contracts:
Durandeau will also be an RFA. He has been very good for Utica thus far, 8Pts/10 GP. He will be below the veteran number of games played. He would be a good guy to hold onto if he stays this hot. His overall AHL production is at .63 PPG as of today.
Dowling is already signed for next year. He will be back and will be a veteran.
Criscuolo has been nearly a PPG player for the Comets thus far, 22 Pts in 25 GP. He is a Veteran. He will be a UFA. I'd think seriously about him if he keeps up this pace.
Willman 16 Pts/20 GP will still not be a vet.
Bowers is under contract, but has not produced at the pace that makes him valuable to re-sign, 7 Pts/29 GP. I'd pass on him.
Laberge was given a 1yr-2 -way NHL contract after the season began. I doubt the Devils give hi m another. MacKinnon may offer him another AHL deal. I don't see any other NHL teams getting into a bidding war for his services. He won't have vet status. He likes it here and it's not like the money will be bigger elsewhere. I'd guess he's back.
There are 2 more on AHL deals:
Gambardella 19 Pts/32 GP
Schmelzer (C) #3 in scoring 24 Pts/34 GP
The roster vets would be:
Wotherspoon
Russo
Foote
Dowling
Criscuolo
Gambardella
Schmelzer
That's one over the limit. Schmelzer has more than proven his value in his time here.
Gambardella is a key piece on this team, but is only re-signable if 2 of those Vet D-men are gone.
This roster is wide open for some younger non vet forwards who can score. A center would be glorious vet or not.
Dowling
Criscuolo
Clarke
Stillman
Parent
Durandeau
Halonen
Schmelzer
Willman
Filmon will be here.
That leaves room for 3 really good additions. Laberge is a great depth guy. Gambardella may have to be let go along with 2 of the vet D unless they come up with a couple good centers that make Schmelzer unnecessary that are not vets. They let much better guys go after 2021-22. Would like a couple of that level again (DeLeo and Greer)
On D:
Misyul and Vilen will still be on ELCs
Hatakka and Vukojevic will be RFAs.
Unless the Devils are crazy and do some wild shit, these 4 likely return to Utica.
Wotherspoon becomes a UFA and I believe he has aged out of the reason for NJ to re-sign him. He will only be 31, but he has become too slow, coughs up the puck a lot, has become a weak passer., and there must be somebody younger to give a NJ contract. If MacKinnon works to re-sign him to an AHL deal it would mean no other NHL team has any interest either. The deal would be a 1-way AHL deal like Russo's.
Robbie Russo is in exactly the same boat as Wotherspoon except he is already on an 1-yr 1-way AHL contract. That could mean he'd be willing to sign for another year. MacKinnon loves to re-up guys who are already here as it saves the problem of having to hunt for new blood. That could mean we see Russo and Wotherspoon for another season when the Comets would be better served by younger players. They would fill veteran roles on AHL salaries. That would suck. The veteran contracts should go to more talented and preferably younger guys.
Cal Foote becomes an RFA at the end of this season and will turn 26 in December and is arbitration eligible. His qualifying offer is $997,500. I can't see where he has proven he deserves a new NHL 2-way beyond this ammount if the Devils are interested. He also will be a vet just like othersppon and Russo. They could simply not offer to qualify him and let him walk. He's up in the air as of now.
Right now it's Hatakka, Misyul, Vilen, and Vukojevic.
Foote is an arbitration eligible RFA. They probably give him a year to help the Comets younger guys.
Wotherespoon, Russo, and Foote are on the ledge. Keeping 3 vets on D is not the way to go. 2 should be the max and combine them with 4 forwards.
I don't see MacKinnon as a valuable commodity beyond what he got this year, a 2-way AHL deal where he is assigned to Adirondack.
In Goal:
Kallgren will be a UFA and I don't see any reason to re-sign him.
Schmid and Daws are RFAs and Schmid is arbitration eligible. I don't know what their plans are, but if neither is traded, I see both getting new contracts with the Devils. Who, if either, is in Utica I don't know.
After seeing how things went this season, I'd get Poulter under contract. At worst he is the Comets best bet for backup.
Brennan should be in the Adirondack regualr rotation. If he can't step in and become #1 or 1A there he shouldn't be considered for the AHL. He has only managed 5 starts in Adirondack thus far this season. Staying healthy should be the #1 goal for his future at the moment. Anything else would be gravy.
DIDN'T MEAN TO POST THIS YET. THE FORWARDS ARE LAST FOR THIS POST.
The Prospects:
The only forward prospects on the roster this sesaon are Clarke and Stillman. Both will still be on ELCs. I don't anticipater either cracking the NHL roster. Unless either or both are involved in trades, they will be Comets.
Halonen was signed out of college so he is actually a prospect. He becomes an RFA at season's end so I expect he will get a new contract. and get assigned to Utica.
Also on NJ contracts:
Durandeau will also be an RFA. He has been very good for Utica thus far, 8Pts/10 GP. He will be below the veteran number of games played. He would be a good guy to hold onto if he stays this hot. His overall AHL production is at .63 PPG as of today.
Dowling is already signed for next year. He will be back and will be a veteran.
Criscuolo has been nearly a PPG player for the Comets thus far, 22 Pts in 25 GP. He is a Veteran. He will be a UFA. I'd think seriously about him if he keeps up this pace.
Willman 16 Pts/20 GP will still not be a vet.
Bowers is under contract, but has not produced at the pace that makes him valuable to re-sign, 7 Pts/29 GP. I'd pass on him.
Laberge was given a 1yr-2 -way NHL contract after the season began. I doubt the Devils give hi m another. MacKinnon may offer him another AHL deal. I don't see any other NHL teams getting into a bidding war for his services. He won't have vet status. He likes it here and it's not like the money will be bigger elsewhere. I'd guess he's back.
There are 2 more on AHL deals:
Gambardella 19 Pts/32 GP
Schmelzer (C) #3 in scoring 24 Pts/34 GP
The roster vets would be:
Wotherspoon
Russo
Foote
Dowling
Criscuolo
Gambardella
Schmelzer
That's one over the limit. Schmelzer has more than proven his value in his time here.
Gambardella is a key piece on this team, but is only re-signable if 2 of those Vet D-men are gone.
This roster is wide open for some younger non vet forwards who can score. A center would be glorious vet or not.
Dowling
Criscuolo
Clarke
Stillman
Parent
Durandeau
Halonen
Schmelzer
Willman
Filmon will be here.
That leaves room for 3 really good additions. Laberge is a great depth guy. Gambardella may have to be let go along with 2 of the vet D unless they come up with a couple good centers that make Schmelzer unnecessary that are not vets. They let much better guys go after 2021-22. Would like a couple of that level again (DeLeo and Greer)
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- Dec 20, 2018
- 22,874
- 51,336
The Adirondack’s 9 game win streak was in real danger of ending tonight.
Oh no, did tragedy strike?
(This is a mess but whatever.)
7:59 3-4
18:44 4-4
Oh no, did tragedy strike?
(This is a mess but whatever.)
7:59 3-4
18:44 4-4
Louskoolaid89
Let's Go!!!
- Oct 14, 2017
- 3,126
- 3,873
Go Thunder! Around here we call this a "heater". Can use one of these with the NHL club. Cool to see some chat about the ECHL club here. I got to meet and hangout with the Thunder's play by play guy last summer. Tailgating at Poccono Raceway. Good time!
- Dec 20, 2018
- 22,874
- 51,336
Tyler Brennan with 32 saves on 34 shots!
Finally officially top of the Eastern Conference!
27-8-3!
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1/20/24
Utica Comets at Syracuse Crunch
Let's start out by saying things don't look good for the Comets before they even drop the puck.
Dowling, Parent, Laberge, and Stillman are out of the lineup due to illness.
Dineen in his infinite wisdom has never seen fit to carry more than 1 extra player on D and 1 up front. Not sure as I type this where Adirondack was today, but obviously no one was called up. Adirondack is within 2 hours of Utica via the NYS Thruway. Dowling was ill last night as well. So Dineen knew he was already out for today.
Result the Comets are playing with 10 forwards and 7 D.
The lines start out as:
21Durandeau/26 Schmelzer/24 Halonen
90 Ibragimov/51 Criscuolo/92 Clarke
15 Gambardella/14 Bowers/19 Fitzgerald
16 Engaras is the extra forward
D-pairs:
93 Misyul/23 Wotherspoon
83 Vilen/5 Russo
3 Mackinnon/22 Felix
2 Vukojevic
Goal - 40 Schmid
Scratches:
Kallgren (BU)
Dowling (ill)
Parent (ill)
Laberge (ill)
Stillman (ill)
Utica Comets at Syracuse Crunch
Let's start out by saying things don't look good for the Comets before they even drop the puck.
Dowling, Parent, Laberge, and Stillman are out of the lineup due to illness.
Dineen in his infinite wisdom has never seen fit to carry more than 1 extra player on D and 1 up front. Not sure as I type this where Adirondack was today, but obviously no one was called up. Adirondack is within 2 hours of Utica via the NYS Thruway. Dowling was ill last night as well. So Dineen knew he was already out for today.
Result the Comets are playing with 10 forwards and 7 D.
The lines start out as:
21Durandeau/26 Schmelzer/24 Halonen
90 Ibragimov/51 Criscuolo/92 Clarke
15 Gambardella/14 Bowers/19 Fitzgerald
16 Engaras is the extra forward
D-pairs:
93 Misyul/23 Wotherspoon
83 Vilen/5 Russo
3 Mackinnon/22 Felix
2 Vukojevic
Goal - 40 Schmid
Scratches:
Kallgren (BU)
Dowling (ill)
Parent (ill)
Laberge (ill)
Stillman (ill)
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Comets get the 1st one in this game.
The Comets had a 3 on 1 with Clarke in possession as they crossed into the zone it was really a 2 on 1 with Ibragimov causing the D-man to split the difference. The dope went to a knee and Clarke dragged the puck inside as the defender slid right by now completely out of the play. Clarke drifted into the middle of the lower slot and did what he does best ________ wired a shot high to to the blocker side and SCORED!
1-0 Utica at 16:35
That's how the period would end.
SOG were 10-10.
The Comets had a 3 on 1 with Clarke in possession as they crossed into the zone it was really a 2 on 1 with Ibragimov causing the D-man to split the difference. The dope went to a knee and Clarke dragged the puck inside as the defender slid right by now completely out of the play. Clarke drifted into the middle of the lower slot and did what he does best ________ wired a shot high to to the blocker side and SCORED!
1-0 Utica at 16:35
That's how the period would end.
SOG were 10-10.
That was the end of the Comets good feelings.
The Comets had been called for a penalty at 19:43 of the 1st.
The Crunch didn't waste any time scoring 30 seconds into the 2nd.
1-1
They struck again at 3:12 to take a 2-1 lead.
Russo was called for tripping at 6:01 and the Crunch scored their 2nd PP goal and 3rd goal in the first 7 minutes of the period at 6:54.
3-1
Then the Comets punctuated the period giving up their 4th goal of the period at 19:57.
4-1
If you followed my game reports you will remember me repeating game after game that the Comets have a really bad habit of surrendering goals in the the first minute or 2 at the start of periods and the last minute or 2 at the end of periods.
Can't do any better than this - :30 seconds into the period and 3 seconds left in the period.
The last time they were in Syracuse on Wednesday they lost with 1 second left in OT.
With their current manpower shortage I don't hold any hope for the outcome of this one to favor them.
The Comets had been called for a penalty at 19:43 of the 1st.
The Crunch didn't waste any time scoring 30 seconds into the 2nd.
1-1
They struck again at 3:12 to take a 2-1 lead.
Russo was called for tripping at 6:01 and the Crunch scored their 2nd PP goal and 3rd goal in the first 7 minutes of the period at 6:54.
3-1
Then the Comets punctuated the period giving up their 4th goal of the period at 19:57.
4-1
If you followed my game reports you will remember me repeating game after game that the Comets have a really bad habit of surrendering goals in the the first minute or 2 at the start of periods and the last minute or 2 at the end of periods.
Can't do any better than this - :30 seconds into the period and 3 seconds left in the period.
The last time they were in Syracuse on Wednesday they lost with 1 second left in OT.
With their current manpower shortage I don't hold any hope for the outcome of this one to favor them.
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- Dec 20, 2018
- 22,874
- 51,336
Schmid has looked lost on the Syracuse goals. He is not tracking the puck well at all and looks like he never saw the shots that went by him. They have not been doorstep goals.
- Dec 20, 2018
- 22,874
- 51,336
Comets have been shooting most of the night from the perimeter at a goalie who is seeing the shots all the way. There is no in close action.
Bowers did get in clean around the 10 minute mark and he was stopped on the doorstep anyways.
Ibragimov stopped on the doorstep getting a perfect pass from Criscuolo.
When they have got close Tomkins has had the answer.
With 3:07 to go the Comets score on the PP. Halonen.
They had control in the Crunch end for almost an entire 2 minutes.
5-2.
Shaya thinks the Comets should pull Schmid with 3 left.
Dineen is not in Shaya's mindset.
1:20 to go and that's back to back losses after points in 8 straight games. This was their 3rd game in 4 days.
I also have to believe the virus running amuck in the Utica area and causing 4 regulars to miss tonight's game may also be bothering some who played, but hasn't knocked them down yet.
Comets go again on Wednesday in Laval and then bus a the 5 hours back and have a day to get ready for a game in Rochester on Friday and then back home on Saturday for a game against this same Syracuse club.
The Comets schedule for January and February was to their advantage as all but 1 game was scheduled against Division games. If they want to get themselves back into great position in the Division race this would be the way to make it happen.
Thus, far after 9 games they are 4-2-1-2. That's 11 points out of a possible 18. They are back in the 7th and last position in the
North. 14 more games and 28 possible points to go in that stretch.
They can't hope for help from elsewhere. They control their own destiny.
Bowers did get in clean around the 10 minute mark and he was stopped on the doorstep anyways.
Ibragimov stopped on the doorstep getting a perfect pass from Criscuolo.
When they have got close Tomkins has had the answer.
With 3:07 to go the Comets score on the PP. Halonen.
They had control in the Crunch end for almost an entire 2 minutes.
5-2.
Shaya thinks the Comets should pull Schmid with 3 left.
Dineen is not in Shaya's mindset.
1:20 to go and that's back to back losses after points in 8 straight games. This was their 3rd game in 4 days.
I also have to believe the virus running amuck in the Utica area and causing 4 regulars to miss tonight's game may also be bothering some who played, but hasn't knocked them down yet.
Comets go again on Wednesday in Laval and then bus a the 5 hours back and have a day to get ready for a game in Rochester on Friday and then back home on Saturday for a game against this same Syracuse club.
The Comets schedule for January and February was to their advantage as all but 1 game was scheduled against Division games. If they want to get themselves back into great position in the Division race this would be the way to make it happen.
Thus, far after 9 games they are 4-2-1-2. That's 11 points out of a possible 18. They are back in the 7th and last position in the
North. 14 more games and 28 possible points to go in that stretch.
They can't hope for help from elsewhere. They control their own destiny.
Tonight's game
Syracuse 5 Utica 2
SOG
UTC 10 11 13 = 34
SYR 10 18 12 = 40
PP:
UTC 1/4
SYR 2/4
Scoring:
Clarke (15) Unassisted
Halonen (5) from Russo (9) and Misyul (8) PP
Schmid 35/40
Syracuse 5 Utica 2
SOG
UTC 10 11 13 = 34
SYR 10 18 12 = 40
PP:
UTC 1/4
SYR 2/4
Scoring:
Clarke (15) Unassisted
Halonen (5) from Russo (9) and Misyul (8) PP
Schmid 35/40
On Friday I painted an optimistic post (#582) on the status of the struggling Utica Comets. They had just trudged out of the North Division basement and were precariously ahead of the Toronto Marlies by 1 point. While only 1 point from falling right back into the dungeon there was a chance to make some real headway in a tightly contested Division.
They were in 6th place with 35 points, but were 1 point out of fifth (the last playoff slot) and 3 out of 4th behind Rochester whom they would play on Friday night in Utica. 3rd place Belleville was only 2 points ahead of Rochester.
What did the weekend bring? Rochester felt no need to have Utica nipping at their heels and they shut down the Comets offense and left Utica 2-1 victors. Rochester was not ready to leave their success in Utica as they went home and defeated Springfield 7-3 and raised their point total to 42, stretching their slim 3-point lead over the Comets to 7.
Utica went out the next night and were spanked by Syracuse 5-2. A potential 4 points right out the window.
Toronto embarrassed at finding themselves in last place promptly won games on Saturday and Sunday and moved back ahead of the Comets by 3 points sinking the Comets right back into the basement by 3 points.
Laval won 2 games and their 1 point advantage over the Comets became 5.
Belleville didn't win any games on the weekend, but still hold a 5-point lead over Utica tied with Laval for 4th.
Thus, 3 of other teams Utica is battling with for the final 3 playoff spots all lengthened their point lead over Utica by 4 more points. Belleville is licking their wounds but still hold a 5-poing advantage.
The weekend was a disaster for the Comets who came in having put up points in their last 8 games with 4 wins and 4 more taken to losses after regulation. Now, they have started another losing streak at 2 while their Division competitors put more distance between themselves and the upstarts who fell right back into the basement.
They were in 6th place with 35 points, but were 1 point out of fifth (the last playoff slot) and 3 out of 4th behind Rochester whom they would play on Friday night in Utica. 3rd place Belleville was only 2 points ahead of Rochester.
What did the weekend bring? Rochester felt no need to have Utica nipping at their heels and they shut down the Comets offense and left Utica 2-1 victors. Rochester was not ready to leave their success in Utica as they went home and defeated Springfield 7-3 and raised their point total to 42, stretching their slim 3-point lead over the Comets to 7.
Utica went out the next night and were spanked by Syracuse 5-2. A potential 4 points right out the window.
Toronto embarrassed at finding themselves in last place promptly won games on Saturday and Sunday and moved back ahead of the Comets by 3 points sinking the Comets right back into the basement by 3 points.
Laval won 2 games and their 1 point advantage over the Comets became 5.
Belleville didn't win any games on the weekend, but still hold a 5-point lead over Utica tied with Laval for 4th.
Thus, 3 of other teams Utica is battling with for the final 3 playoff spots all lengthened their point lead over Utica by 4 more points. Belleville is licking their wounds but still hold a 5-poing advantage.
The weekend was a disaster for the Comets who came in having put up points in their last 8 games with 4 wins and 4 more taken to losses after regulation. Now, they have started another losing streak at 2 while their Division competitors put more distance between themselves and the upstarts who fell right back into the basement.
1/24/24
Utica at Laval Rocket
Forwards:
79 Laberge/26 Schmelzer/24 Halonen
21 Durandeau/14 Bowers/15 Gambardella
67 Parent/51 Criscuolo/92 Clarke
90 Ibragimov/48 Middendorf/16 Engaras
D-Pairs:
83 Vilen/5 Russo
2 Vukojevic/22 Felix
3 MacKinnon/23 Wotherspoon
Goal:
40 Schmid
Scratches:
Kallgren (BU)
Poulter (H)
Dowling (ill)
Stillman (ill)
Fitzgerald (H?) Middendorf in the lineup in his stead?
Misyul (?) - He must be ill. No way Felix keeps him out of the lineup.
Shaya rarely tells us anything. H'e too busy telling us of his goings on during the day out of town, weather, the building, the crowds, what he thinks will be taking place as the game proceeds etc.
Comets 1st SOG at 10:09
Rocket scored at 11:26 on a big rebound from Schmid.
1-0
SOG #2 at 7:20 by Clarke all alone at the right side of the crease. Pad save with right leg down on the ice.Comets to the PP at 14:39. Looked like Crap.
Laval takes another penalty at 16:35, Didn't threaten on the short 5 on 3.
Laval took another penalty at 17:39. This one 4 minutes. 5 on 3 for :56 seconds. Can't make a pass or take one. perimeter back and forth.
Launch a few shots blocked or saved, but finally as the first penalty is over the Comets threaten an finally they put one in at 19:59.
GOAL by Halonen
He put back the rebound of a Bowers shot.
1-1 and the period is over.
With all the PP time the Comets ended up with the SOG advantage 14-7.
Utica 1/4 on the PP
Laval O/1
Utica at Laval Rocket
Forwards:
79 Laberge/26 Schmelzer/24 Halonen
21 Durandeau/14 Bowers/15 Gambardella
67 Parent/51 Criscuolo/92 Clarke
90 Ibragimov/48 Middendorf/16 Engaras
D-Pairs:
83 Vilen/5 Russo
2 Vukojevic/22 Felix
3 MacKinnon/23 Wotherspoon
Goal:
40 Schmid
Scratches:
Kallgren (BU)
Poulter (H)
Dowling (ill)
Stillman (ill)
Fitzgerald (H?) Middendorf in the lineup in his stead?
Misyul (?) - He must be ill. No way Felix keeps him out of the lineup.
Shaya rarely tells us anything. H'e too busy telling us of his goings on during the day out of town, weather, the building, the crowds, what he thinks will be taking place as the game proceeds etc.
Comets 1st SOG at 10:09
Rocket scored at 11:26 on a big rebound from Schmid.
1-0
SOG #2 at 7:20 by Clarke all alone at the right side of the crease. Pad save with right leg down on the ice.Comets to the PP at 14:39. Looked like Crap.
Laval takes another penalty at 16:35, Didn't threaten on the short 5 on 3.
Laval took another penalty at 17:39. This one 4 minutes. 5 on 3 for :56 seconds. Can't make a pass or take one. perimeter back and forth.
Launch a few shots blocked or saved, but finally as the first penalty is over the Comets threaten an finally they put one in at 19:59.
GOAL by Halonen
He put back the rebound of a Bowers shot.
1-1 and the period is over.
With all the PP time the Comets ended up with the SOG advantage 14-7.
Utica 1/4 on the PP
Laval O/1
Last edited:
Period 2 is underway.
Comets continue to play giveaway as they have done all night thus far with bad passes and bad pass reception.
Also seem to be skating in mud.
Laval making all kinds of efforts in the Comets end.
Big stops by Schmid.
Vuk laying down to block a shot.
Comets continue to give it away and Laval keeps pressing.
Giveaway and Schmid a huge save.
Comets finally into the Laval end and the puck comes to Schmid all alone on the right side and his shot is deflected wide and out of play.
Shot by Halonen and it's sticked wide by the keeper.
Comets continue to play giveaway as they have done all night thus far with bad passes and bad pass reception.
Also seem to be skating in mud.
Laval making all kinds of efforts in the Comets end.
Big stops by Schmid.
Vuk laying down to block a shot.
Comets continue to give it away and Laval keeps pressing.
Giveaway and Schmid a huge save.
Comets finally into the Laval end and the puck comes to Schmid all alone on the right side and his shot is deflected wide and out of play.
Shot by Halonen and it's sticked wide by the keeper.
TV TO
13:56 to go
Comets always having having difficulty finding an open man. Laval the antithesis with an open man almost all the time.
Laberge crosses the blueline and looks cross ice and there is Halonen who shoots from the right dot------------------- and he S_____________C__________O___________R___________E___________S
Halonen 2 Laval 1.
13:56 to go
Comets always having having difficulty finding an open man. Laval the antithesis with an open man almost all the time.
Laberge crosses the blueline and looks cross ice and there is Halonen who shoots from the right dot------------------- and he S_____________C__________O___________R___________E___________S
Halonen 2 Laval 1.
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