UTICA, N.Y. – Down 2-0 early at the Utica Memorial Auditorium, Michael Zalewski and the Utica Comets stormed back for a 4-2 win vs the Rochester Americans on Saturday night. For the second consecutive night Zalewski netted two goals, including the game-winning goal.
Hunter Shinkaruk (1-0-1), Mike Zalewski (2-1-3) and Jon Landry (1-2-3) scored goals for the Comets and Joe Cannata stopped 20 saves en route to the win.
Back at The AUD for the first time in two weeks, the Comets had their work cut out for them as the Amerks jumped out to a two goals within the first five minutes of the contest.
With the first period coming to an end, Shinkaruk scored his 17th goal of the season with 4:09 remaining in the period. After he received a pass from Jon Landry, Shinkaruk wristed a shot through traffic and into the net. The goal was also assisted by Zalewski.
In the second period Zalewski scored his first goal of the night when he forced a turnover and scored a short-handed breakaway tally on Ullmark.
Just five minutes into the third period, Zalewski struck again for his 12th of the season. Brendan Gaunce collected a rebound and slipped a pass across the crease to Zalewski who quickly fired a shot into the gaping net for the game-winning goal.
Jon Landry added an insurance goal when he scored on an empty-net from his own zone.
With the win the Comets record improves to 19-17-3-3.
The Comets are back on the road next week as they head to St. Johns, Newfoundland to face the IceCaps, next Saturday, February 5th at the Mile One Centre Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:00pm.
