Hockey Night in Utica: Comets Welcome the Marlies
by Mark Caswell, Jr.
Dec 7, 2016UTICA COMETS (9-11-1-0) vs. TORONTO MARLIES (11-8-1-1)
Utica Memorial Auditorium, 7 p.m.
Watch Live: AHL Live | Listen Live: Radio: 94.9 K-ROCK, Desktop or Mobile
Follow and Interact Live: Twitter | Hashtag: #WePlayForU
Tonight’s Game: The Utica Comets wrap up a brief two-game home stand tonight when the Toronto Marlies make their first trip to Utica this season. Puck drop from The AUD is scheduled for 7 p.m.
The Comets enter tonight’s battle in fifth place in the North Division with 19 points in 21 games, while the Marlies have collected 24 points in 21 games, good for third place.
Giveaways: Tonight is chock full of giveaways and promotions.
-The first 1,000 fans through the Labatt Blue entrance will receive a Utica Comets slap bracelet, courtesy of Dr. Lavelle
-Herb Philipson's table will be handing out mugs, coupons, and an opportunity to win a $250 gift card at their table. Stop by their table in the inner councourse for information on how you can win.
-Help us Stuff the Bus! Bring a toy to the Labatt Blue entrance to help us spread the holiday joy. For more information on the Stuff the Bus program, visit here.
Last Game: Just 24 hours after claiming the franchise’s first regulation victory over the Albany Devils, the Utica Comets did it again by the score of 3-1 Saturday evening at the Utica Memorial Auditorium. The win improves the Comets record to 9-11-1-0 on the season.
Carter Bancks (2-0-2), and Darren Archibald (1-0-1) collected the Comets three tallies, while Thatcher Demko picked up the victory with a 29-save performance.
Head-to-Head: The Comets are 10-11-2-2 all-time against the Marlies, including a 5-3-1-2 mark at The AUD. Led by Joe Cannata’s 33-save effort on Mar. 4, the Comets were the only team to shutout the Marlies last season.
Scouting the Marlies: The Marlies are a perfect 3-0-0-0 against the Comets, but are just 8-8-1-1 against the rest of the league. Sunday afternoon’s 5-2 win over the Hartford Wolf Pack snapped a season-high three game losing streak for the Marlies. Brendan Leipsic’s 26 points (7-19-26) paces not only the club, but the American Hockey League as well. Left Winger Kasperi Kapanen (11-10-21) also ranks in the league’s Top 10 point-scorers with 21 points. After yesterday’s roster shuffling, the Marlies currently carry four goalies on their roster with Jeff Glass and Garrett Sparks the only two that have appeared in a game this season. Jeff Glass made his Marlies debut against the Comets and held the team to one goal.
Batten Down the Thatch: Goaltender Thatcher Demko goaltender has been red hot as of late and has posted a 6-1-0-0 record, along with a 1.82 goals against average, and a .937 save percentage in his last eight appearances, one in relief of Bachman. The San Diego, CA native started the season with a record of 0-3-1-0, a 3.74 goals against average, and a .861 save percentage. He has allowed two or less goals in five of his last six starts.
Drop the Gloves – Or Not: In the Comets last 11 games, neither team has had a player collect a fighting major.
Heating Up: Defenseman Andrey Pedan has collected three points (2-1-3) in his last five games. The 6’5” defenseman had failed to collect a point in his first 12 games of the season.
Give the Best Gift: Starting tonight, fans at The AUD can purchase gift cards in increments of $25 to the ORB Concession stands. Gift cards are available for purchase in the Horton Room, Zetlin’s Lounge, One Nine Five Nine, Kookie’s Q, and all food concession stands. Gift cards can be purchased with cash or credit cards.
Next Game: The Utica Comets hit the road for a pair of games starting Friday evening in Binghamton. The tilt at the Floyd L. Maines Veterans Arena will be the first game the season in Binghamton for the Comets. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m.