February 5, 2014 - American Hockey League (AHL) Utica Comets UTICA COMETS (16-22-2-4) @ IOWA WILD (19-16-5-3)

Iowa Events Center, 8 p.m.

Radio: 94.9 K-Rock

Tonight's Game: The Comets continue their road swing of the Midwest tonight as they pay their first visit of the season to Des Moines, Iowa to take on the Wild. The Comets look to break out of the small funk they're currently in, as they enter tonight's action riding a two game losing streak.

When They Last Met: Tonight is the first meeting between the Comets and Wild.

Comets Outlook: The Utica Comets were unable to complete a season sweep of the Chicago Wolves as they dropped a 4-2 decision at Allstate Arena last afternoon. Chris Porter scored twice for the Wolves, while winger Ty Rattie led the way with three points (1-2-3). Nicklas Jensen and Benn Ferriero scored for the Comets and Joacim Eriksson picked up the loss with 31 saves on 35 shots. Jake Allen made 31 saves of his own for his 19th victory of the season.

Wild Outlook: The Wild were also last in action against Chicago, as they dropped a 3-2 overtime decision on Saturday evening. Rattie once again carried the load offensively for Chicago with two goals, including the game winner with just 29 seconds left in overtime. Dmitrij Jaskin had two points (1-1-2) and Matt Climie picked up the win with 24 saves on 26 shots. Zach Phillips scored for Iowa with just 20 seconds left in regulation to earn the Wild a point. Warren Peters also scored for Iowa, while Jonas Gustafsson made 26 saves in defeat.

For The First Time: Tonight marks the inaugural meeting between the AHL's newest two franchises. Both the Comets and Wild began play during the 2013-14 season, but have yet to meet before tonight. Utica enters tonight's game eight points behind Iowa in the standings, with the Wild currently holding the ninth position in the Western Conference.

Benn But Don't Break: Forward Benn Ferriero extended his team leading goal total to 17 with a second period tally past Jake Allen yesterday. Ferriero is now tied for 16th in the entire AHL in goals, third amongst North Division skaters. The Essex, MA native is two goals away from his AHL career high of 19, from the 2009-10 season with the Worcester Sharks.

Nickstart My Heart: Winger Nicklas Jensen ended a five game pointless streak with a second period marker against Chicago. Jensen, who had previously scored five goals over a five game span before his drought, now has seven goals and 11 points on the season. The Denmark native's scoring total is tied for fifth on the Comets roster.

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Gameday: Comets at Iowa