By Joe Benson, Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations, Utica Comets
The Comets wrapped up the month of February in style, taking four out of a possible four points in their home-and-home series against Belleville Senators while outscoring them 10-4 over the tow games. They carried the momentum into March, winning their first two games of the month and achieving a season-long four-game winning streak after a 4-1 win over the Lehigh Valley Phantoms and a 5-2 win against Belleville once again to kick off the new month.
The 5-2 victory over Belleville on March 6 was particularly meaningful with it being Local Firefighter Night and a great crowd at the Adirondack Bank Center, featuring specialty jerseys and recognition for local firefighters and first responders throughout the game. As for the game itself, the teams were tied at one heading into the third period, but the Comets scored three goals in the final frame in less than a six-minute span to take control. They scored a total of four goals in the third, two of which came shorthanded, while holding the Senators to just 14 shots in the game.
The Comets headed to Belleville the next night to wrap up their second consecutive home-and-home with the Senators and a chance to leapfrog their rival in the North Division standings with a win. After three straight losses to the Comets and riding a six-game losing streak, the Senators came out determined to end their losing ways and walked away with a 7-3 victory. Leading the way for Belleville was former Comets’ forward Graeme Clarke who had been acquired in a trade the day before, finishing the game with two goals and two assists in his Senators’ debut.
The Comets returned home to host the Syracuse Crunch the following afternoon in the conclusion of their fourth and final 3-in-3 series of the season. It was a quick turnaround for the Comets, exacerbated by the clocks springing forward the night before. Despite the tough circumstances, the Comets put forth a solid effort against a very good Syracuse team who had won nine of its previous 10 games. The Crunch prevailed by a score of 4-1 in their final regular season trip to Utica and if not for their goaltender, Ryan Fanti, the outcome might easily have been different.
The busy schedule continued for the Comets as they headed to Rochester just a few nights later for their final regular season meeting against the Americans, and a chance to gain ground on the team holding onto the final playoff spot in the North Division. The Comets received the unfortunate news that they would be without their captain, Ryan Schmelzer, who hadn’t missed a game since the 2022-23 season, but they were determined to close the gap between them and the Amerks in the standings. The Comets showcased one of their most complete games of the season picking up a 4-1 victory in Rochester, their fourth win in five games at Blue Cross Arena this season. Xavier Parent extended his goal streak to seven games, setting a new franchise record, after having been tied with Reid Boucher, the Comets’ all-time leading scorer. Parent also reached a new career-high, scoring his 18 goal of the season. Special teams were dominant in the game for Utica, notching two power play goals from Brian Halonen and Matyas Melovsky, and their league-leading 11 shorthanded goal of the season compliments of Austin Strand. With the win, the Comets pulled within six points of the Americans who suffered their ninth straight loss, their worst mark since the 2013-14 season.
Utica’s push for the playoffs continues with some of the most anticipated theme nights of the season, including St. Patrick’s Day and Racing Night. The Comets road ahead to round out the month is not an easy one, featuring two meetings against the North Division-leading Laval Rocket and two meetings against the Eastern Conference-leading Providence Bruins.
For tickets to catch all the exciting action, fans can visit uticacomets.com/tickets or call 315-970-9070.
