Braden Pimm joins Michael Young as recent college grads who are joining the Milwaukee Admirals on ATO contracts. (Photo Credit: Northeastern Athletics)
We have our next amateur-tryout contract to announce. This afternoon Admirals have signed forward Braden Pimm.
Pimm just completed his senior season at Northeastern University. In his four-year college career he played 139 games, scored 85 points (42 goals, 43 assists), a plus/minus rating of +7, and 131 penalty minutes.
He enters the Admirals from a senior campaign that saw him record new highs in games played in a season (37) and scoring – 37 points (20 goals, 17 assists). His goal total led Northeastern last season.
He also already has plenty of connections with the Ads. In two seasons with Northeastern he was playing alongside Anthony Bitetto and Vinny Saponari. Pimm also hails from Fort Saint John, British Columbia, Canada. Who else on the Admirals can name that town home? The captain of the Admirals and sheriff of Milwaukee, Scott Ford.
Thoughts on the new blood? How can the newbie fit into the Admirals lineup?
Scott Valentine’s face here is my spirit animal. (Photo Credit: Jeff Hanisch)
Last night, the Milwaukee Admirals won 3-1 against the Rochester Americans. It was a really solid, start to finish, performance that saw them cap off their four-game road trip by taking five points out of a possible eight.
With this being yet another traveling based off day – I think we can go back into the well and find out some more gems from the pre-season player questionnaire. Let’s dive in.
Charles-Oliver Roussel, and all Admirals defensemen for that matter, had a stellar night in Rochester as the Admirals skated circles around the Americans 3-1. (Photo Credit: Jeff Hanisch)
The Admirals won 3-1 against the Rochester Americans Wednesday night.
The Ads steamrolled the home-side in the first two period of play: leading 3-0 and outshooting them 25-6. The victory caps off the four-game road trip – and the Admirals managed to take five points from a possible eight.
“We really liked the way that we came out,” said Milwaukee Admirals assistant coach Stan Drulia after the game on Sports Radio 1250 WSSP. “We wanted to make sure our guys started real good today and they did that. They really hunted the puck.”
It took the Americans over twelve minutes into this game before getting their first shot on goal. That shot came after a failed five-on-three power-play but during the back half of that opportunity.
With the shots heavily favoring the Admirals, finishing 14-3 in the first period, they found the payoff with Miikka Salomaki’s eighteenth goal of the season. Anthony Bitetto flipped a backhanded shot on starting goaltender Andrey Makarov. The puck knuckled in on the young netminder and Salomaki was in front of the net to pop in the garbage for the opening goal.
Mark Van Guilder was injured during that initial penalty kill in the first period. For those who remember back – Van Guilder blocked a shot in the Hamilton game last Friday, was on crutches after the game, and played the rest of the weekend. He was helped off of the ice, not putting weight down on his right leg, by Bryan Rodney and Doug Agnew.
I mention that injury out of sequence because the legend of Van Guilder continued tonight with yet another warrior mentality display. In his first shift back on the ice, the same period in which he was helped to the bench, he scored a goal to make it a 2-0 Admirals lead. Patrick Cehlin forced a turnover directly in front of the net. With the panic button firmly hit for the Americans – Cehlin and Van Guilder, and both defensemen covering them, crossed paths. Van Guilder took a whack at the loose puck to the side of the net and scored his fourteenth goal of the season.
In the second period, Salomaki was able to score his nineteenth goal of the season and second goal of the game. He made a power move to the net from the left wing with Johan Larsson all over him. There wasn’t a call made against Larsson but it wouldn’t have mattered. Saloamki’s initial shot was saved by Makarov but the young Finn drove in the rebound to extend the Admirals lead to 3-0.
Through two period of play, the Admirals outshot the Americans 25-6. The Ads season low for shots allowed in a period was three back when they played in Charlotte against the Checkers on 12/1/13. Tonight, the Ads achieved that in, back-to-back periods through forty minutes.
The Americans finally broke through the Admirals defense in the opening minutes of the third period to make it 3-1. A backhanded pass from Phil Varone picked out Kevin Sundher who slapped one past Marek Mazanec to end the shutout bid. It’s Sundher’s sixth goal of the season.
After two shots pinged off the posts surrounding Mazanec – the Ads found themselves on a breakaway with Joonas Rask getting tackled down by Nick Petrecki. Rask was awarded a penalty shot but failed to convert from the opportunity. His forehand shot was snagged with the glove of Makarov.
The game would end at a 3-1 scoreline. The Ads defense was brilliant tonight and the shots disparity really shows that: 32-16, Admirals. In addition, tonight marked the first game from twenty-six previous appearances that Mazanec allowed less than two goals in a game. He wasn’t tasked with too much work in the opening two periods tonight – but really shined in the third period when the Americans pushed heavily late in the game.
Ramblings: With his goal in tonight’s game, Mark Van Guilder now has fifty career goals with the Milwaukee Admirals. Van Guilder is just the thirteenth player to reach that milestone since the team joined AHL. He is now tied with Scottie Upshall on Admirals all-time AHL list for goals scored. Austin Watson’s seven game point streak ended tonight. The Rochester Americans have now lost eight straight games.
The last time the Rochester Americans and Milwaukee Admirals played against one-another a kid named Pekka Rinne was in net. (Photo Credit: Jeff Hanisch)
The Rochester Americans enter tonight’s game with a record of 30-25-64 (70 points). They are second in the North Division behind the Toronto Marlies (83 points) and eighth in the Western Conference – trailing the Rockford IceHogs (71 points) and leading the Charlotte Checkers (69 points) while sitting in the last available playoff spot.
Yesterday morning, as in the opening puck drop took place at a “coffee is is in the Gatorade bottles” 10:10 am CST, the Americans battled in Toronto and came up short with the Marlies, 3-1.
In that game, Kevin Porter scored the opening goal in the first minute of the second period for the Americans. They went on to concede two second period goals and an empty netter to cap off an early morning divisional battle. You can view the video highlights of that game right here.
Granted, they have had some time to rest up and travel much earlier than if that game was played at night. Yet, it could still be an advantage to the Admirals having a team that played the day prior and traveled back to Rochester. The Admirals have been in town practically following Sunday’s game in Utica – so they are rested and ready to go.
One of the major focal points from this game comes in net for the Americans. With the Buffalo Sabres, their parent club, in a bind following the Ryan Millertrade and an injury to his would-be replacement Jhonas Enroth, it has led to the recall of both AHL goalies the team has used throughout this season: Nathan Lieuwen and Matt Hackett.
That means the Admirals will be squaring up with one of two fresh faces to the Americans roster: Connor Knapp or Andrey Makarov. The two have played in 3 games this season and have allowed a combined 10 goals between the two of them.
Knapp took part in their two-game battle with the Lake Erie Monsters, started both games, and allowed 8 goals from shots on goal (0.873 SV%). Makarov made the start in Toronto yesterday morning and allowed 2 goals from 35 shots in the loss. Who gets the net? Either way, I feel it could be advantageous to the Admirals that the Americans lost both of their top netminders in camp – and now find themselves with two goalies who are experiencing the AHL for the first time in their playing careers.
The team leader in scoring is Phil Varone with 50 points (14 goals, 36 assists). He has also played in 9 games with the Sabres this season in the NHL where he scored some career firsts: a goal and an assist. He is currently with the Americans, though. In his last six games he has failed to score a point. It is his longest drought of the season.
Their top goal scorer, Luke Adam, was a member of this year’s AHL All Star Classic and has 45 points (27 goals, 18 assists). He is tied for fifth in the AHL for goal scoring trailing: Colton Sceviour (32)… Travis Morin (31)… Mike Hoffman (30)… and Zach Boychuk (29).
The Admirals are 30-21-6-7 (73 points) entering the final contest of a four-game road trip. They are third in the Midwest Division and sixth in the Western Conference. The cushion now sits at 2 points over the Rockford IceHogs – with a game in hand for the Ads. They are also 3 points ahead of the Americans in the Conference standings – also with a game in hand.
Yesterday’s roster shuffle included two moves down. Filip Forsberg, who was recalled under emergency conditions, was returned to the Admirals. The addition of Forsberg should give the team that extra dimension that, perhaps, cost them that extra point in Sunday’s shootout defeat in Utica.
The counter move that followed was an interesting one in my opinion. Zach Budish ended up being the odd man out heading to the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL with Josh Shalla and Paul Crowder remaining on the AHL roster. It’s the second ECHL stint this season for Budish – and he should be ready to join the Cyclones tonight on the road in Orlando.
While we’re talking Cyclones, let’s mentioned the name Magnus Hellberg and see what he’s been up to in his return to game action. He has played in one game out of a possible two opportunities. He made a start on 3/21/14 against the Elmira Jackals. He was pulled from the net following 4 goals allowed from 13 shots. The following game, the next day, Rob Madore made the start. I wouldn’t take that as an injury setback. I wouldn’t take that as a knock on a bad performance the previous night. I actually take that for what it is: two-in-two scenario, two goalies per game, stick to the gameplan. Hellberg should get his second start with them tonight alongside Big Head in Orlando.
The current hottest Admiral at the moment is the new man on wing, Austin Watson. When I spoke with Mark Van Guilder regarding what he has seen from Watson in his transition from center to a wing role he said the following:
“[Austin Watson] hasn’t played much wing but he looks good there. It seems like he has a little more jump in his step – a little more free to kind of roam. I think he likes it there. Which is huge. And he’s kind of accepted that and he’s played really well there so far.” Mark Van Guilder
Watson is currently on a 7 game point streak (2 goals, 5 assists). While the switch from center to wing may point to a boost in his gameplay – I point to what happened at the NHL Trade Deadline as another major impact on him springing to life these last few games.
This point streak for Watson started one game after Calle Jarnkrok‘s Milwaukee Admirals debut in which he scored 2 goals against the Rockford IceHogs. Watson didn’t produce a point that night – but has scored at least one ever since. I feel that the thought seeped into his mind that, with young centers such as Colton Sissons and Jarnkrok leapfrogging him this season, he needs to do something big to breakout and get back on the NHL radar. This move to the wing has really emphasized that and, as Van Guilder said, I think he likes it there.
Thoughts on tonight’s game? Can the Admirals finish off this road trip on a high note? How much do you think yesterday’s game for the Rochester Americans can impact them tonight? How do you expect Filip Forsberg to play after a brief NHL stint? Can Austin Watson extend his point streak?
Filip Forsberg is back from his latest NHL stint – and back in time for the Admirals game tomorrow night in Rochester. (Photo Credit: Scott Paulus)
The Nashville Predators announced this afternoon that Filip Forsberg has been reassigned to the Milwaukee Admirals. He was recalled under emergency conditions with Patric Hornqvist leaving the team to witness the birth of his first child.
Forsberg played in one game under these conditions, logged 7:59 minutes from 10 shifts, didn’t have a shot on goal, and picked up a hooking penalty in the second period in their 2-0 road shutout of the Chicago Blackhawks.
In the NHL this season Forsberg has now played in 13 games, scored 5 points (1 goal, 4 assists), has a plus/minus rating of -8, and 4 penalty minutes.
With the Admirals he has appeared in 36 games, scored 27 points (10 goals, 17 assists), has a plus/minus of +6, and 12 penalty minutes. He’ll be rejoining the team just in time for the final stint of their four-game road trip as they face the Rochester Americans tomorrow night.
UPDATE: It was just announced that Zach Budish will be sent to the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL. Recently, the Admirals added Josh Shalla and Paul Crowder from Cinci – but both are set to remain with the Ads for the time being.
Budish has been healthy scratched during recent games. This marks his second stint playing in the ECHL – both coming this season. He has 2 assists in 6 games with the Cyclones. With the Admirals he has played in 41 games while scored 9 points (3 goals, 6 assists).
It was only under emergency conditions – but how do you feel Filip Forsberg is utilized in Nashville? Is his time truly best served here in Milwaukee right now?
When tonight’s Nashville Predators game ends they will have nine games remaining in their 2013-14 season. Additionally, there are four home games remaining in Smashville. They are third from the bottom of the Western Conference and are set to miss the playoffs for a second consecutive season.
While the campaign has been a swing and a miss thanks to injury woes and offensive inconsistency – the optimism should be very high thanks to young talent that is surfacing to the NHL in the form of Colton Sissons, Calle Jarnkrok, and Filip Forsberg. Even players such as Marek Mazanec, Taylor Beck, and Simon Moser have had NHL time this season.
With players such as Miikka Salomaki, Brendan Leipsic, and Pontus Aberg also on the future radar – there should be plenty of reasons to feel happy with the years ahead in this organization. And that’s what makes me want to pose the following sentiment.
While plenty of attention is given to the future names above – names such as Scott Ford and Mark Van Guilder feel lost. Between the two of them they have played in 1018 games in their professional hockey careers. Neither of them has played a single shift in the NHL.
Van Guilder has played 385 professional games and 302 games as a member of the Admirals over the course of six professional seasons. Ford has played 633 professional games and 357 games as a member of the Admirals over the course of ten professional seasons. Both began their tenures with the Milwaukee Admirals during the 2008-09 season and have since become pillars of the team on and off the ice.
So here is what I want to ask you readers: why not them?
I suppose the cold, hard, and blunt answer to that question is that they’re not as talented, young, or as exciting as the likes of a Sissons, Jarnkrok, or Forsberg are. They’re window has passed and, despite their development within the organization, it just isn’t NHL caliber.
Here is the thing that makes them deserving of that one chance to play an NHL game: knowing this – they certainly never stopped working to get there.
This season, the Admirals had a defenseman by the name of Teddy Ruth who retired following a reassignment to the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL. Rather than stay in the game, work his way back into the fold, or seek a chance elsewhere in the AHL – he retired from the game of hockey at the age of 25-years old.
Compare that to fellow defenseman and Admirals team captain, Ford, who is now 34-years old and in his sixth professional playing season in Milwaukee. Prior to that, he played with: 2004-05, Cleveland Barons (AHL), Fresno Falcons (ECHL)… 2005-06, Bridgeport Sound Tigers (AHL), Trenton Titans (ECHL), Providence Bruins (AHL)… 2006-07, Dayton Bombers (ECHL)… 2007-08, Utah Grizzlies (ECHL), Bridgeport Sound Tigers (AHL).
After that, he joined the Admirals and played for four-straight seasons before taking a chance with the Peoria Rivermen (AHL) in hopes of a St. Louis Blues future. It didn’t happen. And, a trade involving Jani Lajunen later, he re-joined the Admirals.
Ford’s motor to play the game of hockey has never gone away. Even at the age of 34 he remains a strong defensive player at the AHL level. He has played 57 games this season, scored -not really his thing- 6 points (3 goals, 3 assists), has a plus/minus rating of +5, and has 79 penalty minutes with five fighting majors to his name. He hasn’t given up. And he hasn’t exactly slowed down much with age, either.
Van Guilder is a rather similar story of someone whose motor just keeps going. Having played four-seasons at the University of Notre Dame, and going undrafted, he found himself with Milwaukee and Cincinnati in his first professional season after college in 2008-09.
It seems as if Van Guilder gets better with each season he puts under his belt – something that the Nashville Predators organization did recognize with his efforts last season. During the 2012-13 campaign he had season highs in every major category in his AHL career log: 73 games played, 32 points (14 goals, 18 assists), +15, and only took 9 penalty minutes throughout the season.
Having enjoyed that new level of success – the Predators gave him his first career NHL contract this last off-season. It was a two-year, two-way contract that will come to an end following next season.
This season Van Guilder’s scoring total seems on pace to finish up rather well: 27 points (13 goals, 14 assists) in 64 games with 12 games remaining in the Admirals season. He is one of the most versatile centermen on the entire team – and it’s shown even better this season considering how many different wingers he has been paired him.
The most recent acquisition to the team, Francis Wathier, was put directly on Van Guilder’s line. It didn’t take long for Wathier to provide high praise of him.
3/14/13, Francis Wathier on Mark Van Guilder:
With forwards fluctuating between the NHL and AHL being the more often trend this season between Nashville and Milwaukee – I don’t see why a situation such as Van Guilder getting recalled doesn’t take place (if even for one game).
When Forsberg was recalled this past weekend – he played on the fourth line and played 7:59 of ice time. Prior to that, he played even less. During three-games for Forsberg in the month of October he averaged 7:12 of ice time. During these four game situations – he has more penalty minutes, 2, than points.
If playing Forsberg in the NHL means limited minutes while operating on a lower defensive line basis, why not Van Guilder? Van would provide a no-nonsense two-way veteran touch to those limited playing minutes – and the 19-year old Forsberg could continue sharpening up his game, playing double to triple those minutes in different capacities, until the right time for him to replicate a top-two-line role is available.
The case for Van Guilder is there. Yet, the case for Ford is a tough one to crack. Something even he joked about when we talked for his feature story back in January.
1/24/14, Scott Ford on what it would take to make it in the NHL:
Sadly, he might be right. If there is anything more gold than the Predators home jerseys it is their young and talented defensive core right now.
How does Ford get his one game? I could only imagine seeing him swap out forward roles with Richard Clune for one game – not much else. The likelihood of that happening is about the same as the Predators making the playoffs this season. And, hearing what it would mean to the long-time leader of the Admirals, makes that all the more sad to think about.
1/24/14, Scott Ford on what it would mean to get one game in the NHL:
The best qualities of Ford aren’t something that you’re going to get out of a stat sheet or a game log. While that may sound cliche, because it is, it is so very true with the incredible leadership values that he possesses. He is as humble as they come. And someone who still works hard, despite that limited window to make the NHL from Milwaukee to Nashville, because he is committed to his team and teammates.
I understand completely that the Predators are in a transition phase of sorts right now. The youth movement is underway. With that in mind, a nod to the likes of Van Guilder and Ford for their service time within the organization would provide a boost to so many people I feel like it would be a bright spot at the end of a roller coaster season for the Predators.
(Photo Credit: Nashville Predators)
It’s great seeing Sissons, Jarnkrok, and Forsberg get their dues at such a young age. But, seeing guys such as Ford and Van Guilder get there for the first time in their careers, would be even better.
Marek Mazanec is. Marek Mazanec in. Marek Mazanec: The Marek Mazanec Story. (Photo Credit: Scott Paulus)
Happy Monday, Roundtable. Yes. I agree. That was an oxymoron. But fear not! I have something to lighten things up on this most evil of weekdays.
A few weeks ago I mentioned the pre-season player questionnaire sheet that I neglected to hit on. We touched up Admirals warm-up songs. Today, we’re going back to it – and finding out what their favorite movies are.
Goodfellas
Anthony Bitetto
The Shawshank Redemption
Scott Ford, Mike Liambas
The Wolf of Wall Street
Patrick Cehlin
Gladiator
Mathieu Tousignant, Austin Watson
The Departed
Colton Sissons
Wedding Crashers
Scott Valentine
Dumb and Dumber
Zach Budish
Happy Gilmore
Josh Shalla
The Sandlot
Mark Van Guilder
Anchorman
Taylor Beck
Remember the Titans
Charles-Olivier Roussel
Another question that the players were asked, that I feel falls in line with film, is this one: who is your celebrity look-alike? A few were asked it. A few answered it back. And some I think are pretty surprising. Get your judging faces on.
It wasn’t nearly as heated or uninspired as the last time these two met – but the Admirals lost out on an extra point in Utica late Sunday afternoon; losing 4-3 in the shootout. (Photo Credit: Scott Paulus)
The Admirals lost 4-3 in a shootout against the Utica Comets Sunday afternoon. A late goal from Francis Wathier pushed this road game into overtime but the Comets went 3-2 in five rounds of the shootout to take home the extra point.
“I thought both teams played hard,” said assistant coach Stan Drulia after the game on Sports Radio 1250 WSSP. “We had an unfortunate couple of bounces but we were resilient. Showed some real good poise as a group to get a point.”
After a Kent Huskins cross-checking minor, the Admirals used their opening power-play to crash the net and get the opener just as time had expired on the man advantage. Vinny Saponari was in the right spot in front of the net to dump the puck past Joacim Eriksson for his fourteenth goal of the season.
“Since Vinny has come up from Cincinnati he has done a fantastic job,” said Drulia. “We had a big debate at the end of the exhibition schedule whether he was going to make our hockey team or not. Right now, he’s done everything he can to stay in our lineup. He is a regular now. His game has come so far as this season has progressed and the credit goes to his determination to get back here and be a factor.”
In the opening period there was a fight between Anthony Bitetto and Brandon DeFazio. The fight stirred from a hit by Bitetto on former Admiral Cal O’Reilly. DeFazio took exception, jumped in, and the two engaged.
Compare that situation to the second period when the exact same situation happens in reverse. Darren Archibald hit Josh Shalla hard in front of the Comets’ bench, Scott Ford took exception, the two fought, and the officials gave an extra roughing minor to Ford for the altercation. Why? I’m not sure if the officials even know why.
Only ten seconds into that Ford roughing minor the Comets found an equalizing goal from the power-play. They managed to win the face off and Frank Corrado’s shot to the net was deflected by Alexandre Grenier past Scott Darling to make it a 1-1 game. The goal for Grenier was his seventeenth scored this season.
The Admirals did answer back with a goal of their own in the second period – thanks to a brilliant individual effort from Mathieu Tousignant. The master of all things chirping jumped up at the blue line, gloved a puck down to himself, and was in on Eriksson with a mini-break. Tousignant beat him to the glove side to restore the Admirals lead and pick up his sixth goal of the season.
Archibald created the Comets second goal of the game in the third with a great outlet pass that found David Marshall. Once he was in the zone he turned to Pascal Pelletier who beat Darling to the glove on the short-side for his fourteenth goal of the season.
Following a Charles-Olivier Roussel interference call – the Comets managed to score their second power-play goal of the game. DeFazio was set up in the high slot and wired a puck past Darling to give the Comets a 3-2 lead from his fourteenth goal this season.
Francis Wathier was able to earn the Admirals an equalizer with less than five minutes remaining in regulation. Austin Watson made a strong play behind the net that set up Wathier on a wrister for his seventh goal of the season and second goal since joining the Admirals from the Texas Stars. Watson now has a seven game point streak: two goals and five assists.
“We liked [Austin Watson] on the wing,” said Drulia. “[Dean Evason] and I have talked about it and he has been a real good winger the last little while.”
The Admirals survived a last second penalty in regulation that spilled into overtime – and worked their way to a shootout.
After an ice delay, the Admirals shot first with Tousignant who scored fivehole on Eriksson. Pelletier was able to answer straight back with a forehander. After misses from Beck and Saponari, Miikka Salomaki was able to level the score at 2-2 in the shootout after scoring backhander to the stickside. With the Admirals shooting first – this meant Darling needed a save to keep the shootout level heading into round five. Marshall beat Darling off the crossbar and down – in what would be the game-winning goal following a failed attempt from Wathier.
“Pretty good,” said Drulia of his assessment of the weekend. “Obviously, we didn’t like the way we played Friday but big game yesterday – big effort again today. If we can find a way to get a win in Rochester we’re going to put ourselves in a good spot here.”
Ramblings: Before the game, Filip Forsberg was recalled to the Nashville Predators and the Admirals recalled Josh Shalla and Paul Crowder from the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL. Both Shalla and Crowder started today’s game – Zach Budish was listed as the lone healthy scratch. Joonas Jarvinen, Simon Moser, and Michael Young – are out with injury.
Thoughts on the game today? All things considered, was this still a good result for the Admirals? Can the days off before the Rochester game set them up for a strong finish to this four-game road trip?
Filip Forsberg is set to rejoin the Nashville Predators for the first time since before his MVP performance at the 2014 World Juniors. (Photo Credit: Jeff Hanisch)
Remember a few weeks ago when it felt like the Milwaukee Admirals were finally spoiled for choice with our forwards? That was nice.
The Nashville Predators have just announced that they will be recalling Filip Forsberg from the Admirals. Having looked stellar alongside fellow Swede Calle Jarnkrok while the two were in Milwaukee – they’re now set to re-create the Bork Line at the NHL level.
Forsberg’s season began with the Predators. This season he has played in 12 NHL games and scored 5 points (1 goal, 4 assists), has a plus/minus of -8, and tallied 2 penalty minutes.
During his time with the Milwaukee Admirals he has played in 36 games, scored 27 points (10 goals, 17 assists), has a plus/minus of +6, and recorded 12 penalty minutes. Of those 10 goals – 5 were scored on the power-play.
He also earned MVP honors in this year’s World Junior Championships held in his native Sweden. During that tournament he produced an impressive 12 points (4 goals, 8 assists) in 7 games en route to a silver medal – only coming up short to Team Finland in overtime of the Gold Medal game.
UPDATE: In addition to this news, the Admirals have officially recalled Josh Shalla and Paul Crowder from the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL.
What does this move mean for the Milwaukee Admirals? What must they do from here to find offense? How successful do you think Calle Jarnkrok and Filip Forsberg can be playing together at the NHL level?
In the first ever meeting of the Milwaukee Admirals and Utica Comets – Miikka Salomaki was given a match penalty for boarding Peter Andersson. (Photo Credit: Scott Paulus)
The Utica Comets enter today’s game with a record of 28-28-3-4 (63 points). They are currently third in the North Division and eleventh in the Western Conference. In their last 10 games they have gone 6-4-0-0 (12 points).
Remember when the Comets started the season off by not earning a win in their first 10 games? I’m sure the Comets don’t because they’ve vaulted themselves up from the cellar of the Conference and into shouting distance of a playoff spot. It would take plenty of stumbling from others, plenty of wins on their part, but the AHL can be a theater of the absurd – why not? And that’s precisely why they make a deadly opponent to match up with.
When the Admirals met the Comets in February it was one of the worst performances from the Ads all season. Miikka Salomaki was given a match penalty for boarding Peter Andersson. The offense failed to get a grip of the game following the Salomaki dismissal. And the Comets shutout the Admirals at home 3-0.
By now, I’m sure that game is a distant memory in the eyes of the Admirals. And, if it was for you as well, sorry to be a downer by reminding you of that clunker.
To go back to the home/away stats like yesterday, it is pretty fascinating to see just how poor the Comets have been in Utica versus playing on the road.
The Comets road record is above .500 with a 17-13-2-1 (37 points). Yet, at home this season they are 11-15-1-3 (26 points), have a goal differential of -15 (73 GF, 88 GA), and the twenty-sixth ranked penalty kill at 79.4%.
Pascal Pelletier leads the Comets in scoring with 50 points (13 goals, 37 assists). The 30-year old veteran has 7 points (3 goals, 4 assists) in the month of March – including points in his last 2 games: 1 goal, 1 assist.
Their second placed scorer, Benn Ferriero, leads the team in goals. He has 39 points (19 goals, 20 assists). He hasn’t played since 3/7/14 vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Including that game, he has only scored 3 goals from his last 13 games.
Former-Admiral Cal O’Reilly sadly didn’t take part in the first meeting this season between the Ads and Comets. He missed that contest due to an upper body injury. He has since returned to the shuffle – and now has played in 39 games with Utica.
In limited work O’Reilly has produced the team’s second best points per game total, trailing only Pelletier, with 0.85 Pt/G: 33 points (3 goals, 30 assists). His month of March has been brilliant as well: 9 assists in 8 games. He’s the cog I’d like to see the Admirals shutdown in this one.
Joacim Eriksson started in net against the Admirals back in February. This season he has team highs in all major goaltending categories for the Comets: 43 games played, 20 wins, 2.56 GAA, and a 0.915 SV%.
His battery-mate, Joe Cannata, has logged 23 games this season while winning 8 contests, picking up a 2.92 GAA, and 0.902 SV%. He has won his last two games in net – including yesterday’s 2-1 win in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
I’d love to see yesterday’s winning netminders square off today. Though, it is anyone’s guess who Dean Evason will roll with: Marek Mazanec or Scott Darling. Who would you chose for the last of this weekend’s three-in-three?
It should also be all-hands on deck today as far as the Admirals roster is concerned. Yesterday the team went with seven defensemen by giving Michael Young his AHL debut and healthy scratching Zach Budish. Sadly, Young took a knock in the middle of the game – and probably will not take part in today’s game. Expect Budish in – and a stretched Admirals lineup that could even need a helper from Cincinnati by Wednesday’s game in Rochester.
Thoughts on today’s game? Can the Admirals pull off the double at the end of this three-in-three? Do the Admirals need the security of an extra body in camp from the Cincinnati Cyclones?
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