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2016-17 Utica Comets Thread


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3 hours ago, stonecoldstevebernier said:

He's definitely got a bit of that agitator in him. I like that he's been more involved physically lately too, even when he's not scoring he has to learn he can impact the game in other ways.

He's got that face that would definitely piss you off if you were in a scrum with him. I seem to recall him smiling a lot in those scrums a la Alex Burrows.

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2 hours ago, UticaHockey said:

I wish Cassels showed up a little more on the score sheet but he is playing a solid defensive game right now.  He just makes those solid little plays in the defensive and neutral zones that often go unnoticed.  Great body position and great stick for taking away passing lanes. 

There's never been any question about his hockey sense.  He understands the game, knows how to play it, and also how to leverage grittiness and agitation to advantage -- similar profile to Burrows.

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10 hours ago, stonecoldstevebernier said:

The Comets win 2-1 and complete the weekend sweep with six points from three games. Great goaltending from Demko yet again, and an impressive all-around effort from what must be a tired group of skaters now. Just a fantastic three games from this team. Hamilton left the game and forced Green to rotate his centres throughout the lineup, keeping the winger pairs together. Bancks was the best Utica skater to me, with Labate and Cassels also standing out. The final shots were 28-25 with Bridgeport really pouring it on in the third and controlling most of the play trying to tie it up. Virtanen had another solid game and was involved physically; he, Cassels, and Kunyk have meshed well together although they didn't play much as a unit in the third.

 

Side note, Halak was brilliant and looks like he could still play in the NHL. Made a great save off an Archibald breakaway late, and then with 1:30 to go absolutely robbed Grenier on a one timer by just getting his toe on the shot. The Comets will remain one point out of a playoff spot with a game in hand, as St John's looks poised to beat Toronto late in the third there.

 

Three stars: Labate, Demko, Nilsson. (Nilsson made a spectacular defensive play in the third to hustle back and neutralize a Bridgeport breakaway, and was solid throughout the game.)

 

1st      
11:41 UTI Carter Bancks (8) ASST: Joseph LaBate (9), Wacey Hamilton (8)
 
2nd      
9:34 BRI Ryan Pulock (12) ASST: Devon Toews (28), Joshua Winquist (10)
 
19:19 UTI Joseph LaBate (4) ASST: Cole Cassels (5), Colby Robak (25)
 
3rd      
No Scoring

 

Thanks for the updates @stonecoldstevebernier. Really appreciate it. Nice to hear the praising from everyone on Cassels' development. I really think he has taken a step also. He's really solid defensively, forechecking and back checking to stay with his check. I believe it's only a matter of time till he starts showing some of his tools offensively. But it's great that he has been solid on our own zone and taking clutch faceoffs. Looking forward to the 3 night games this coming weekend again! Teams will be taking our team seriously and they should!

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3 hours ago, lordstanley2019 said:

Is it just me or does Demko play better when he gets majority of the starts??? 

His technique is drastically improved too though. He wasn't playing well enough to take starts away from Bachman earlier in the season and Green was even playing him in back to backs over Demko. It will be interesting when Bachman goes back down, who will get the crease. We need to see Markstrom get more starts with the Canucks too. Goalies need that rhythm and timing that only comes from game action.

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Can someone please confirm the AHL playoff format for me.

 

To my understanding, the top four teams from each of the four divisions make the playoffs regardless if teams from other divisions have more points than they do? 

 

If accurate, then Utica essentially has to beat out Rochester/Bingamton (both pretty much out of it at this point) and St. Jonh's. 

 

Also, can anyone confirm who would be eligible from the Canucks to play with Utica during the playoffs? 

 

Thanks. 

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1 hour ago, Fanuck said:

Can someone please confirm the AHL playoff format for me.

 

To my understanding, the top four teams from each of the four divisions make the playoffs regardless if teams from other divisions have more points than they do? 

 

If accurate, then Utica essentially has to beat out Rochester/Bingamton (both pretty much out of it at this point) and St. Jonh's. 

 

Also, can anyone confirm who would be eligible from the Canucks to play with Utica during the playoffs? 

 

Thanks. 

The players currently with the Canucks that are eligible to be sent to Utica are Bachman, Gaunce and Goldobin.  Yes the top four in each division make the playoffs.  The Comets are one point behind St John's who holds the final playoff spot with one game in hand which will be two games in hand after St John's plays tonight.  

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4 hours ago, stonecoldstevebernier said:

A minor addition to the Comets before the AHL trade deadline. He doesn't look like a whole lot more than your average PTO (has split time between the AHL and ECHL this year) but depth is always welcome down the stretch. Also should add some toughness to a lineup that's short on players who'll drop the gloves.

 

 

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=45585

 

That's a lotta PIMs for a smaller guy. Welcome the new Cruiserweight champ.

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