Comets with Big Divisional Win in Hamilton

The Utica Comets started their longest road trip of the season on a positive note Saturday night with a 3-2 win over division rival Hamilton. The victory extended Utica's lead in the Northern Division of the AHL's Western Conference to 9 points.

Sven Baertschi (0-2-2) led the way for the Comets with two points on the night. After being traded to the Comets he has collected three points, all assists, in two games. Cal O’Reilly (1-0-1), Will Acton (1-0-1), and Alex Friesen (1-0-1) scored for the Comets in the win.

The Comets kicked off the game’s scoring 8:22 into the game. Baertschi picked up a rebound after a shot from Alex Biega was turned aside, and connected with O’Reilly who was set-up on the backdoor for O’Reilly’s seventh goal of the season.

The Bulldogs evened the game back up just 18 seconds into the second period. Eric Tangradi and T.J. Hensick broke in on a two-on-one on Comets defender Peter Andersson. Tangradi slipped the puck over to Hensick who fired the pack past a sprawling Joacim Eriksson.

The Bulldogs took their only lead of the night just under six minutes later. Sven Andrighetto centered a pass to Charles Hudon who one timed a blast from just outside the crease, into the net.

The Comets wrapped up the second period’s scoring at the 11:12 mark. Acton potted his 12th goal of the year after Baertschi centered a pass to him alone in the slot. Brandon DeFazio picked up the secondary assist.

Friesen’s goal in the third period would stand as the difference maker after he split the Bulldog’s defenders and slipped a shot between Condon’s legs for his seventh goal of the year. Andrey Pedan and Eriksson recorded assists on the play.

The Comets move on to Toronto Sunday afternoon for a 3 p.m. puck-drop with the Marlies in the second game of their five-game road trip.

Comets Begin Long Road Trip with Win North of the Border