Rookie C.J. Smith nets the game-winner in the 3-2 win over the Comets.
UTICA, N.Y. — Rochester Americans rookie C.J. Smith was involved on all 3 goals as the Amerks overcame a 2-0 deficit to beat the Utica Comets, 3-2, in overtime Saturday night before at the Adirondack Bank Center.
Trailing 2-0 midway through the third period, rookie Sahir Gill tallied his seventh goal of the season on a power play to get the Amerks on the scoreboard. Smith and Stuart Percy assisted on the play.
About 4 minutes later, Nick Baptiste tied the game off assists from Smith, his 20th, and Kyle Criscuolo.
Smith needed just 17 seconds of overtime to score the game-winner as Criscuolo and Brendan Guhle help set up the goal.
Rochester netminder Adam Wilcox earned the win as he made 31 saves.
The Amerks win, combined with the Toronto Marlies loss Saturday, moved Rochester back to within 4 points of the North Division leaders.
The Amerks next game is Wednesday at the Blue Cross Arena against the Belleville Senators at 7:05 pm. It is Rochester’s final home game before Christmas.