Utica Comets: Games to Gun For

Games to gun for will go over specific games and opponents fans might want to see. Criteria are based upon AHL rivalries, fun teams to watch in the AHL and regional rivalries between the local NHL teams. Consider it a guide for casual fans to know how to get the biggest bang for their buck.

Creative Commons: Doug Kerr

The Utica Comets are another one of those historical teams I would designate part of the AHL "original six." They started off in Quebec as the Beavers in the 30s but spent most of their years in Springfield MA, helping make the region home to the AHL, building its rivalry with Providence and subsequently Hartford, while winning seven Calder Cups. Of course, that was in Springfield, and the Comets have only been in Utica the past two years, where they haven't won anything. Last year Utica got close but stumbled against Manchester and lost in the finals in five games. However, with a new conference, and a pretty passionate fan base, Utica should be a fun team to watch this year.

Home Opener: October 27

Opponent: Rochester Americans

Analysis: Opening against a historical and divisional opponent like the Americans is a great way to open at home, even if it is a delayed home opener. But if you don't already have your tickets, don't bother. First two games at home are already sold out. It's a passionate fan base up there I guess and they are eager for a Calder Cup. It kinda makes me nervous about trying to figure out who the biggest rivals to this team are, but I think I can make some pretty good guesses...

Opponents

1. Binghamton Senators

Last year Binghamton ended the year against Utica 3-3 with all the losses coming in overtime. That says to me that they're pretty evenly matched and should lead to some good games this year. It also should help that Binghamton leads the top of Utica's fight charts. While Utica is far from Syracuse in regards to fight totals, its a good sign that these games will have a little extra heat. They play each other eight times total.

2. Toronto Marlies

Are they a New York team? No, but like Binghamton Toronto is pretty evenly matched. They also went .500 for wins/losses last year and made the play-offs. They will be the team the Comets might most have to contend with for a play-off spot so in terms of AHL parity, these match ups will be pretty even and fun to watch. They also play each other eight times total, four times at home.

3. Rochester Americans

Another historical team, and the Rochester Americans will be hungry for ways to make their 60th year special. I think Rochester is also very aware that the road to the Cup will probably go through Utica and so expect these games to have a lot of heat and passion The fact that the first of the eight times they played are sold out is a good sign that there will be a lot of energy during these match ups.

4. Albany Devils

Albany is kinda like that bad team that knocks mediocre teams out of the play-offs late in a season. In the past they kinda have ruined a lot of things. They beat Utica in their first ever home opener, when Gordie Howe dropped the puck and the won every game against Utica last year. Hell, Utica has never beaten the Albany Devils, and that is saying something. It's like how the Canadiens could be absolute garbage and still win against a top seeded Bruins team. They're just in the heads of the team. Luckily this year Utica gets more chances than ever to beat the Devils with eight match ups, four at home.

5. (Tie) Springfield Falcons/Hartford Wolf Pack

This one is all about history. They face off against the teams they once called a rival and a team from where they once called home. Granted is there any real history or rivalry? No, but if you're a hockey history buff, these games should be fun. You can pretend its the 1930s and drive up in a Ford Model T before seeing formerly Springfield take on Formerly Providence. They face off against both Springfield and Hartford four times each, for a grand total of eight times. (Utica might have the most balanced schedule in all of the AHL.)

@TheFalconsAHL @WolfPackAHL @DMeczywor But wait... Is that...THAT'S THE @UTICACOMETS' MUSIC! pic.twitter.com/TWY5oG4f6K

— Seth D (@The_Hockey_Prof) September 15, 2015

Utica Fans doing their thing, inserting themselves into every conversation... #CometsArmy