Binghamton Devils Snap 4 Game Losing Streak in 4-2 Victory

Binghamton Devils’ goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood was supposed to have the night off but instead was a last minute replacement for Eddie Lack, nevertheless, he got the job done in Wednesday’s 4-2 victory over the Utica Comets. John Quenneville scored a goal and added an assist in his first game back from a sore ankle and rookie defenseman Colby Sissons had two points as the Devils ended their four-game losing streak.

Photo provided by Alicia Strauch

On somewhat of a snowy November night, a small gathering at The Floyd saw the BDevils improve their home record to 6-5-1-0 and in the process move into fourth place in the North with a 9-10-3-0 record.

Nathan Bastian (5) scored from his knees in front after a good effort from Michael McLeod in getting the puck towards the net through traffic, as Utica goalie Thatcher Demko wasn’t able to stop Bastian in time. After giving up a powerplay goal by Brendan Gaunce (4) at the close of the first period to tie it, Binghamton regained the lead for good in the second.

A Quenneville (5) snipe from inside the circle sailed far corner, top shelf for a powerplay tally of their own 3:14 in. Then Egor Sharangovich (4) made it 3-1 Binghamton for an easy tap-in after a no-look pass from JQ along the goal line.

Comets would cut the deficit back to one after Zack MacEwen (9) received a flip pass from center ice by Dylan Blujus and beat Sissons cleanly, as he honed in on Blackwood with a nifty shot from up close.

Photo provided by Alicia Strauch

Devils were able to get an insurance goal on an empty-netter from Ryan Schmelzer (3) after Kevin Rooney missed from the defensive zone for the final score of 4-2. Shots ended up in favor of the Comets 28-27 as they also had streak broken with their first loss in four outings.

Line-Up, Game #22

Forwards: Quenneville - Sharangovich - Studenic, Pietila - Rooney - Lappin, Baddock - McLeod - Bastian, Gignac - Schmelzer - Gabriel

Defensemen: White - Gryba, Ramage - Sissons, Hammond - Jacobs

In Goal: Mackenzie Blackwood, Eddie Lack

Scratches: Eric Tangradi, Brian Strait, Michael Kapla and Blake Speers out injured.

Post Game Notes

• JQ with one of his best performances of the season as he looked dominant with a game-high 7 shots to help prove it. He made his shot seem effortless and silky smooth in the second period goal, one of the best snipes I’ve seen to date.
• Sissons defense continues to need work but I believe his offensive game is decent. I would like for him to spend some time in the ECHL sooner rather than later.
• Eric Tangardi is skating and Michael Kapla is day to day. No word on Blake Speers but Brain Strait was seen in attendance.
• With Lack out, Blackwood played well in his absence. Lack took warm-ups but afterwards, the trainer told Coach MD he can’t go and didn’t disclose any reasons as to why not after the game.
• Sharangovich with the drop of the Y in his first name, will now be known as Egor at the request of his agent.

Three Stars

#1. John Quenneville (1g, 1a), #2. Mackenzie Blackwood (26 saves), #3. Colby Sissons (2a)

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Upcoming Games

Two game on tap for this coming weekend as Rochester returns to The Floyd on Saturday and a road meeting in Hershey on Sunday.