Ben Birnell

UTICA The Utica Comets seem to be finding their stride.

For the third time in nine games, the Comets totaled 40 or more shots. Unlike the previous two opponents, the Comets offensive pressure was enough to come out ahead against their North Division rival, the Binghamton Senators on Friday.

The Comets struck for four quick first-period goals en route to a 5-2 victory over the Senators before another announced capacity crowd of 3,870 fans Friday at the Utica Memorial Auditorium. It was the third consecutive victory for the Comets.

Darren Archibald, Alex Grenier and Joseph LaBate had a goal and assist, Curtis Valk added two assists, Jordan Subban increased his point-streak to five games and Pascal Pelletier also scored in support of rookie Thatcher Demko, who totaled 28 saves for his third victory in as many consecutive starts.

"I think the guys played well," said defenseman Chad Billins, who assisted on LaBates goal. "We didnt really let them back into it. I thought that was important."

It was a strong offensive output for the Comets (24-23-7-2, 57 points), who earned a win over Binghamton last Saturday and are 4-0-1-0 in the last five contests.

"We didnt really want to look past (Friday)," said Comets coach Travis Green, whose team also plays Saturday and Sunday afternoon. "We knew we had a big weekend here and had to get off on the right foot."

The Comets win over Binghamton (23-31-2-1, six consecutive losses) was important with 20 regular-season games remaining. Combined with St. Johns win over Rochester on Friday, the Comets remain three points back of fourth place in the division with a game in hand. The top four teams in each division make the playoffs. "I think we knew what was on the line (Friday)," Billins said. "It is playoff hockey now. Were striving for a playoff sport. Every game matters. Every point matters."

First period

Offense was on display in the opening 20 minutes with the Comets -- who had 18 shots on goal -- striking a four times. The teams combined for five goals in a span of 3:05.

Archibald got it starteda few minutes after Valk came up empty on a penalty shot attempt.With 10:32 remaining, Archibaldscored histeam-best 18th goal on a nice shot from the right circle. The Comets added two goals from LaBate (his third of the season) and Subban his team-best ninth power-play goal seconds into the advantage -- in a matter of 1:54.

The teams traded goals less than a minute apart soon after. Binghamtons Nick Paul redirected in a Ben Harpur shot with 8:19 remaining before Pelletier took a short pass from Borna Renudlic in the slot and scored with 7:27 to return Utica to a three-goal cushion.

That would be all the Comets needed as the last tally chased starter Matt OConnor (10 saves) in favor of Chris Driedger.

"It was a real good start to the game, for sure," Green said.

Second period

The score remained the same through 40 minutes after the teams played a tighter game. The Comets continued to pressure, outshooting the Senators 14-5.

The Comets put some good shots on Driedger, including a solid chance from Cole Cassels in front near the end of the period.

Third period

The game remained unchanged until later in the third when the Senators struck to close the gap.

With LaBate off for tripping, Jason Akeson buried a rebound from the left side with 7:59 left. It was the second power-play goal the Comets allowed in the last five games.

The Senators continued to pressure and Driedger was pulled late, but Demko and the Comets were up to the task. Grenier added an empty-netter with 18.5 seconds left.

"Its uncharted waters for our team to be up (4-1)," Green said. "Were used to playing in tight games. I like how we kept our edge."

Up next

The Comets continue a three-game-in-three-days weekend Saturday at home when they take on the Albany Devils. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. The Comets earned a 3-2 victory Feb. 20 in Albany.

NOTES:Fridays game was the 83rd consecutive sellout for the Comets, though there were a few unfilled seats throughout the Aud. Evan McEneny had a five-game point streak end. Jake Virtanen did not play in third period. He was not feeling well, according to Green. He's considered day-to-day. Derek Hulak (36 consecutive games) and John Negrin (23 consecutive games) were not in the lineup due to injuries. ... A check from the Save of the Day Foundation Night earlier this season was presented to Thea Bowman House representatives before the game. The check was for $55,652. The Vancouver Canucks announced Friday they signed 20-year-old Zack MacEwen to a three-year entry-level contract. MacEwen, who is a six-foot-four, 212-pound forward totaled 27 goals and 62 points in 59 games with the Gatineau Olympiques this season in juniors.

Comets 5, Senators 2

Binghamton 1 0 1 2

Utica 4 0 1 5

1st Period-1, Utica, Archibald 18 (Valk, Grenier), 9:28. 2, Utica, LaBate 3 (Billins, Hamilton), 10:38. 3, Utica, Subban 14 (Kunyk, Archibald), 11:22 (PP). 4, Binghamton, Paul 10 (Harpur, Akeson), 11:41. 5, Utica, Pelletier 7 (Rendulic), 12:33. Penalties-Krushelnyski Bng (holding), 11:18; Flanagan Bng (high-sticking), 15:58; Pelletier Uti (tripping), 17:49. 2nd Period- No Scoring.Penalties-LaBate Uti (tripping), 3:45; McCormick Bng (high-sticking), 9:03; Rodewald Bng (roughing), 11:50. 3rd Period-6, Binghamton, Akeson 10 (Paul, C. Bailey), 12:01 (PP). 7, Utica, Grenier 16 (Valk, LaBate), 19:41 (EN). Penalties-LaBate Uti (tripping), 11:34. Shots on Goal-Binghamton 13-5-12-30. Utica 18-14-9-41. Power Play Opportunities-Binghamton 1 / 3; Utica 1 / 4. Goalies-Binghamton, O'Connor 11-14-1 (14 shots-10 saves); Driedger 10-13-2 (26 shots-26 saves). Utica, Demko 12-11-4 (30 shots-28 saves). A-3,870 Referees-Guillaume Labonte (35), Furman South (44). Linesmen-Matt Brady (86), Mike Emanatian (69).

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