The Utica Comets wrapped up their second round series, after 8 and a bit games, in the Calder Cup playoffs against the Oklahoma City Barons (Edmonton’s AHL team).  It was a very exciting match up as the lead was traded back and forth and both goaltenders stood on their head.  The Comets managed to emerge victors by a single goal thanks to Alexandre Grenier!

Read past the jump to find out what went down.

Game 7 was very exciting as it was much higher tempo than most of the games in the series.  The Comets controlled even-strength play but, like all previous games, both goaltenders stood on their head.  It was not until 7 minutes into the third period when the Comets were able to score thanks to Alex Grenier, who was set up by Hunter Shinkaruk, and now leads the Comets in playoff scoring.  With GM Jim Benning at the game, if that did not earn Grenier a roster spot, nothing will.

Oklahoma City could not return allowing the Comets to win the series and move on to the Western Conference final.  This is the first time a Canucks AHL affiliate has moved this far into the Calder Cup playoffs since the Manitoba Moose in 2008-2009 when they lost 2-4 to Hershey in the finals.

[ AHL Boxscore ]

Many other Canucks prospects looked really good in this series.  No doubt Hunter Shinkaruk needs to be recognized, as has Brendan Gaunce’s excellent rookie season.  Sven Bärtschi generated a number of scoring chances.  Jake Virtanen had an excellent first shift where he entered the zone with the puck in control, created a great scoring chance and then drew a penalty.  What also needs to be recognized is Edmonton’s Darnell Nurse who was noticed, for good reasons, in all 4 games he played in.

Overall the series was dominated by the Comets at Even Strength, but special teams and goaltender Richard Bachman really hurt the Comets and kept the series closer than it should have been.  For a second time the Comets advanced despite a sub-100% PDO and Utica will have to hope their luck turns as they cannot keep outrunning a bad-PDO in the playoffs. 

As OKC was eliminated, their franchise has played their last game ever as Edmonton is moving their franchise to California.  The Canucks prospects are franchise killers.

As the Comets look to their next opponents in the Western Conference final.  Things are going to get tougher as the opponents are stronger.  The Comets, from a high level view, are a better possession team than Grand Rapids.  Grand Rapids also has been resting for over a week as the Comets have been tiring themselves out and risking themselves to injuries. 

Grand Rapids are lead by the top AHL coach Jeff Blashill and have young players in their line up such as Teemu Pulkkinen, Tyler Bertuzzi, Xavier Ouellet, Anthony Mantha, and more.

In the Eastern Conference final, the Hartford Wolfpack (New York Rangers) are facing the Manchester Monarchs (LA Kings) – the top possession team in the league.  Here’s to hoping Hartford can out-PDO Manchester.

In the mean time, we will have more Comets coverage in the next round and we will have deeper analysis of the play in this round coming soon.