Alexander Holtz realizes the importance of perfecting everyday rituals in his attempt to become the everyday player he yearns to be with the New Jersey Devils. 

The New Jersey Devils have signed defenseman Tyler Wotherspoon to a two-year, two-way contract, and forwards Jack Dugan, Brian Pinho and Mason Geertsen to one-year, two-way contracts.

Ryan Schmelzer was named the team captain of the Utica Comets last season, and from that moment on, he took his team into battle each night with the idea that leadership means putting your head down and going to work. 

Three third-period goals lifted the Rochester Americans to a 4-2 victory over the Utica Comets in the winner-take-all Game 5 of their division semifinal series in Utica on Thursday night.

A.J. Greer scored twice, Fabian Zetterlund notched three assists and the Utica Comets stayed alive with a 4-2 win in Rochester on Tuesday night.

Utica Comets defenseman Robbie Russo has been suspended for one game as a consequence of an illegal check to the head of an opponent in a game at Rochester on May 15.

In front of the largest Blue Cross Arena crowd in more than 16 years, the hometown Rochester Americans grabbed the series lead from Utica on Sunday evening with their second consecutive 4-3 overtime victory.

JJ Peterka scored his third goal of the game with 1:29 gone in overtime to give the Rochester Americans a 4-3 win over Utica in Game 2 of the teams’ North Division semifinal series on Saturday night.

Joe Gambardella scored the go-ahead goal with 10:31 left in regulation as Utica rallied from 2-0 and 3-2 deficits to defeat Rochester, 6-3, in Game 1 of their North Division semifinal series on Tuesday night.

Rest? Rust? Both? Who knows? Let’s see. The Charlotte Checkers, Stockton Heat, and Utica Comets all play their first postseason games tonight following extended time off.