COMETS EARN PRE-SEASON SPLIT WITH WIN

Syracuse, NY – The Utica Comets defeated the Syracuse Crunch in the back half of their home-and-home pre-season series by a score of 3-1 on Sunday night at the Onondaga County War Memorial Arena.

The first period saw a lack of offense, with both teams unable to find the net. Utica and Syracuse also combined for only 10 total shots in the opening frame.

Alexis D’Aoust finally broke the scoreless tie halfway through the second period, poking a rebound through the legs of Connor Ingram. Philip Holm and Nikolay Goldobin picked up the assists on the power play tally.

Four minutes into the third period, Michael Carcone registered the second Comets goal, burying a shot over the glove hand of Ingram. Brett McKenzie notched the lone assist. Jason Akeson cut into the lead with 9:21 remaining in regulation. Tye McGinn and Shane Conacher were credited with the assists. Anton Cederholm regained the two-goal lead for the Comets less than a minute later on a backhand score with assists from D’Aoust and Griffen Molino. The Comets were able to kill off three late penalties to preserve the win.

Michael Garteig made 20 saves to pick up the win. The Comets power play went 1-4, while the penalty kill was a perfect five-for-five.

The Comets kick off the regular season on Saturday night at the Ricoh Coliseum against the Toronto Marlies. Puck drop is scheduled for 4 p.m. The game can be heard on 94.9 KROCK and viewed on AHL Live.

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