Syracuse Crunch Face Utica Comets in Final Regular Season Matchup

Crunch look to extend winning streak to five games against division rival Comets

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Syracuse Crunch are heading to Utica to take on the Comets in their final regular season matchup at the Adirondack Bank Center. The Crunch are coming off a 3-2 overtime win against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and are looking to extend their winning streak to five games. The Comets are making a late-season push for a playoff spot and will be looking to rebound after a recent 7-3 loss to Belleville.

Why it matters

This game has important implications for both teams as they jockey for position in the AHL standings. The Crunch have had the upper hand in the season series so far, but the Comets have won the last three matchups at home. The outcome of this game could impact the playoff picture for both teams.

The details

Rookie forward Lucas Mercuri has been a key player for the Crunch, scoring the overtime winner against the Penguins and extending his point streak. Mercuri leads all Crunch rookies in scoring with 21 points. Forward Brendan Furry has also been impressive, scoring his third goal in the last four games and establishing a new career-high with 13 goals and 27 points this season. The Comets will be led by Brian Halonen and Xavier Parent, who are tied for the team lead in points with 28. Goaltending could be a factor, as Nico Daws has struggled against the Crunch this season.

  • The game is scheduled for Friday, March 8, 2026.
  • The Crunch are coming off a 3-2 overtime win against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on March 6.

The players

Lucas Mercuri

A rookie forward for the Syracuse Crunch who leads all Crunch rookies in scoring with 21 points.

Brendan Furry

A forward for the Syracuse Crunch who has established a new career-high with 13 goals and 27 points this season.

Brian Halonen

A forward for the Utica Comets who leads the team in scoring with 17 goals and 28 points.

Xavier Parent

A forward for the Utica Comets who is tied for the team lead in points with 28 and is on a five-game goal-scoring streak.

Nico Daws

The Utica Comets' goaltender who has struggled against the Crunch this season, posting a 1-6-0 record in seven starts.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.