Amerks fall flat against Comets

By: Jonpaul D'agostino

ROCHESTER, N.Y.-- The Rochester Americans felt the strain of playing three games in four days, losing a physical battle against the Utica Comets 5-1 at home Wednesday evening, their first loss against Utica of the year. 

Konsta Helenius and Filip Engaras face off during Rochester Americans vs Utica Comets game at Blue Cross Arena on Nov. 23, 2024 in Rochester N.Y. (Photo credit: Rochester Amerks)

“We just werent there on the 50/50 pucks,” Amerks head coach Michael Leone said. “You gotta get the puck out. You gotta advance the puck. You gotta be willing to play a hard game.” 

The first period was full of physicality with frequent checks and high-speed collisions from both teams. The only goal of the frame came on a Utica power play after Amerks left wing Aleksander Kisakov was called for holding. Just 1:12 into the power play, Comets forward Brian Halonen scored from the slot after being assisted by Xavier Parent and Seamus Casey.   

Utica left wing Mike Hardman extended the Comets lead after sinking a shot in the top left corner of the net off passes from Casey and Adam Beckman. 

Halonen was once again able to score on a Utica power play following another Kisakov penalty, this time assisted by Simon Nemec and Max Willman. 

#55 Josh Dunne during Rochester Americans vs Utica Comets game at Blue Cross Arena on Nov. 23, 2024 in Rochester N.Y. (Photo credit: Rochester Amerks)

Utica was able to further extend their lead after Nathan Légaré sunk the Comet’s fourth goal of the night after receiving a pass from Topias Vilen.  

After going down 4-0, Leone pulled goalie Felix Sandstrom and put Michael Houser in the net.   

“In games like this you need to get a save,” Leone said.  “But I wouldn't put it all on him, I thought we did a really poor job managing the game. I think we just needed a spark.” 

Switching goalies provided Rochester with a spark, just as Leone wanted. The Amerks had an offensive onslaught, shooting on Utica five times in 80 seconds. At the end of that 80 seconds, Comets defenseman Daniil Misyul and Amerks center Tyson Kozak got into a brawl, each receiving five-minute penalties that would extend over into the last period. 

#7 Ethan Prow pushing towards the net during Rochester Americans vs Utica Comets game at Blue Cross Arena on Nov. 23, 2024 in Rochester N.Y. (Photo credit: Rochester Amerks)

“We’ve had a lot of really good moments and stretches,” Amerks left wing Brendan Warren said. “But it’s been a little bit of a trend lately where we’re not bringing it for the full 60. It seems that every game lately we have those little stretches of lackadaisical effort or mental mistakes that have been costing us.” 

Unlike the first two periods, the third was free of penalties on both sides. 

As if the 4-0 lead wasn’t enough, Utica center Ryan Schmelzer sunk a shot of his own from the far right after receiving a pass from center Joe Gambardella and defenseman Colton White, causing many Amerks fans to leave the arena. 

Determined to not get shut out at home, Warren got the last-second goal from the low slot, giving Rochester their only goal of the day. 

Now on a three-game losing streak, the Amerks record is 8-6-3-0. Their next game is Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. when they host the Cleveland Monsters.