COMETS EDGE WILD 3-2
Mar 30, 2014Box Score HERE
COMETS EDGE WILD 3-2
Iowa Stays On the Road for The Next Three Games, Returns Home Apr. 11
Des Moines, IA – The Iowa Wild (26-31-4-6, 62 points) was defeated by the Utica Comets (30-29-2-4, 68 points) 3-2 in front of 3,331 fans at Utica Memorial Auditorium on Sunday. Forward Pascal Pelletier led the way for the Comets, playing a part in all three unanswered goals to erase a 2-0 second period deficit. Pelletier finished with a goal and two assists, including setting up the eventual game winner 3:39 into the third period. Wild forward Brad Winchester had a goal and an assist, as Iowa saw its three-game winning streak on the road come to an end. Forward Tyler Graovac also had a goal in the defeat, as the Wild slipped to 15-11-3-3 on the road this season. Utica goalie Joe Cannata (9-11-1) stopped 32 Wild shots, including all 22 in the final two periods for the win. Iowa goalie Johan Gustafsson (12-17-2) made 21 saves on 24 shots in the defeat. The Wild continues a five-game road trip on Wednesday, Apr. 2 at 6 p.m. in Grand Rapids.
Iowa claimed a 2-0 lead with a pair of goals merely 16 seconds apart in the first period. The Wild jumped out to a 1-0 lead at 7:38 of the first period with a power-play tally. Defenseman Steven Kampfer played the puck deep in the Utica zone for Brad Winchester. After Winchester was denied by goalie Joe Cannata, rookie Tyler Graovac shuffled the rebound into the net for his ninth goal of the season. Off the following faceoff, Iowa defenseman Bryce Aneloski slipped the puck into the Comets end for Winchester. The Iowa forward beat Cannata for his 19th of the year and a 2-0 Wild lead at 7:54 of the opening period. Forward Marc Hagel picked up an assist on Winchester’s third goal as a member of the Wild.
Utica countered back with a pair of goals over 36 seconds near the midpoint of the second period. Cal O’Reilly sent a cross-ice pass to the right-wing circle for Pascal Pelletier, who unleashed a one-timer. Pelletier beat Gustafsson for his 13th goal of the year at 7:13. Defenseman Frank Corrado added an assist on the power-play tally. Pelletier was instrumental in the club’s second goal just 35 seconds later. Pushing through center and driving to the Wild net, Pelletier nearly beat Gustafsson shorthanded. Forward Jeremy Welsh followed up on the play and potted the rebound for his fourth goal of the year at 7:49 of the second period, tying the game 2-2.
Utica netted its third unanswered goal at 3:39 of the third period, taking the first lead of the game at 3-2. Pelletier skated into the Iowa zone off a rush and had a two-on-one develop with Brandon DeFazio. Pelletier slipped a cross-ice pass to DeFazio for his 15th goal of the season. Corrado added his second assist of the game on the even-strength goal.
Iowa continues a five-game road trip on Wednesday, Apr. 2 at 6 p.m. in Grand Rapids. The team will also make stops in Chicago and Milwaukee prior to returning home on Friday, April 11 for Chicago at 7:05 p.m. at Wells Fargo Arena.
Fans may purchase single game tickets multiple ways, either through the team's website – www.Iowawild.com, Wells Fargo Arena box office or Dahl's Ticketing. Tickets are available online at www.iowawild.com under the single game tickets tab. Fans may also purchase tickets by calling 1-866-55-DAHLS (32457) or by visiting one of 13 Dahl's Food Stores locations in the greater Des Moines area, and in Ames. In order to purchase group tickets (10 or more), please call the Iowa Wild ticketing department at 515-564-8700. Fans interested in buying full season, or smaller season packages may call the Iowa Wild front office at 515-564-8700.
The Iowa Wild regular season is presented by Mercy Medical Center. Season tickets to see the Wild play at Wells Fargo Arena start at just $9 per game. For more information on tickets, please contact the Wild ticket office by calling 515-564-8700 or go to www.iowawild.com.
-- IOWA WILD --
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To create a customized advertising package for your company contact Ed Chamberlain, VP of corporate sales, at 515-564-8704 or email at edward.chamberlain@iowawild.com.
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