It was yet another revolving-door lineup: some key offensive contributors (Adam Gaudette & Joey Anderson) were missing from the lineup, two players were returning from injury (Bobby McMann and Filip Kràl), and one made his Marlies debut (Zach Solow).
First Period
The Marlies‘ clinical finishing in the opening frame was the clear difference between the two teams. On the balance of possession, offensive time, and power-play opportunities, Utica held the advantage.
Joseph Woll needed to be sharp early inside the opening four minutes, turning aside efforts from Dylan Blujus, Tye Thompson, and Ryan Schmelzer as Utica began brightly.