Connor Brown is expected back at some point this weekend as the Toronto Marlies and the Utica Comets face off in a back-to-back situation for the first time this season.
The four games contested between the teams so far have all been tight affairs, with a single goal the difference on each occasion.
Toronto won the two games decided by shootout, while Utica took the extra point in an overtime decision. The only game to finish in regulation was a 2-0 victory for the Marlies that saw Jonathan Bernier record a shutout, Richard Panik score the game winner and Rich Clune seal the victory with an empty netter 11 seconds from full time (none of whom are on the current roster).
Utica’s Centreman Alex Friesen has enjoyed games against Toronto, with four of his 17 points total this season coming against the Marlies. Currently enjoying a good run of play, Friesen has three points in as many games.
Hunter Shinkaruk (five points in last five games) and Friesen are in far better current form than fellow top-five producers Alexandre Grenier and Jordan Subban, who are both pointless their last four and five games respectively.
The Comets responded to their most recent loss to the Marlies by winning both games since, moving them into a playoff spot in the process. Both Utica’s goaltenders had struggled for form and wins before those pair of victories. Joe Cannata stopped 26 of 27 shots in a 3-1 victory over Syracuse, while Richard Bachman turned aside all 14 shots faced in regulation and overtime as Utica prevailed in the shootout against Albany.
The special teams battle could be a fascinating watch and a key battle, with Utica holding the slight edge in the series thus far. Toronto have been successful three times on 24 attempts with the man advantage, while Utica are 1 for 18; however, the Comets have tallied three times shorthanded, including an overtime goal.
Utica’s special team units must be a mystery to the coaching staff. Their penalty kill is 85% overall, but is five percent less effective on the road. The powerplay is a more potent weapon on their travels, operating at over 17% compared to a paltry 10% at home.
The Comets overall form on the road has been streaky this season to say the least. They embarked on an eight-game winning run that began after four straight losses, and they’ve now bookended their winning streak with another four-game road losing slide.
Utica score more regularly on the road than on home ice, but their defense also gives up more goals — almost 3.5 per game on average.
Toronto’s two most productive players against Utica this year will both be absent. Josh Leivo and William Nylander may not be available, but it’s expected that Connor Brown will make his long-awaited comeback at some point this weekend.
With Eric Faille, Jack Rodewald and Eric Baier reassigned to Orlando, we may well see the return of Frederick Gauthier, Justin Holl and Stuart Percy after injury. The Marlies aren’t bereft of players in top offensive form despite a lineup in flux of late.
T.J Brennan has 11 points in his last seven games, Mark Arcobello has five in his last two, and Jeremy Morin has contributed five points in his first six outings for the Marlies.
Nikita Soshnikov and Kasperi Kapanen are riding five- and four-game point streaks respectively.
Brendan Leipsic has been having a great four weeks. During that span, he’s racked up fourteen points in twelve games, including a hat trick and a spectacular game-winning goal in overtime.
With scoring goals continuing to prove no problem for Toronto, it’ll be play in their own zone that determines how they fare this weekend. The last two games for the Marlies have been filled with individual errors and mental lapses. Back home and having the luxury of a full practice, Sheldon Keefe will be expecting a more disciplined effort from his troops this weekend.
Game Schedule
Saturday, January 23 — Utica at Toronto, 3:00 pm EST
Sunday, January 24 — Utica at Toronto, 3:00 pm EST
