With three games on tap this weekend the Utica Comets are hoping to makeup some ground in the AHL Western Conference playoff hunt.

The Comets (30-29-4-4) currently sit 7 points behind the Charlotte Checkers (36-30-1-2) for the eighth and final playoff spot in the conference. They'll also have to leap over two other teams - Oklahoma City and Rocheter - but have just nine game left.

Utica will play host the Toronto Marlies at the Utica AUD tonight (7:00), then play on the road at Toronto on Sunday (3:00). In between is a meeting against the Crunch in Syracuse (Saturday 7:00).

While the Crunch are on the outside of the postseason picture in the Eastern Conference, the Galaxy Cup is on the line in Saturday's matchup in what has been dubbed the final of four Thruway Throwdowns. Utica holds a 5-3 points advantage in the first three meetings between the two, so a win, tie or overtime loss will unsure the cup comes to Utica in their inaugural season.

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