COMETS SHUTOUT BY CRUNCH ON ROAD
Feb 1, 2019Syracuse, N.Y. – The Utica Comets saw their three-game winning streak against the Syracuse Crunch come to a close as they were shutout by a 4-0 margin on Friday night at the Onondaga County War Memorial Arena.
The Comets came out of the gates firing and even had four power play opportunities in the first period, but they were unable to beat Connor Ingram on any of their tries. Syracuse took the lead 12:03 into the frame, as Nolan Valleau sent a wrister towards the goal that was re-directed by a Utica defender and ricocheted past Ivan Kulbakov. The Crunch doubled their advantage before the break as Dennis Yan tallied his 10th of the year on a setup by Valleau.
The second period lacked the chances that the first had, as the two teams combined for just 11 total shots. Syracuse peppered seven towards Kulbakov and Utica flung four towards Ingram, with each goaltender making the saves required of them. The score remained at its 2-0 margin favoring the Crunch after the second period came to a close.
Syracuse added to their lead early in the third period and tacked on their third of the night after at tic-tac-toe passing play that resulted in Andy Andreoff lifting his 17th of the season into the top of the goal. Pulling Kulbakov for the extra attacker, the Comets attempted to create a flurry of chances, but they ended when Carter Verhaeghe deposited the puck into the empty net, sealing the 4-0 final.
The Comets are back at it tomorrow night against the Springfield Thunderbirds. Puck drop at the MassMutual Center is at 7:05 p.m. The game can be heard on 94.9 KROCK and viewed on AHL TV.