Providence, R.I. — The Utica Comets started Saturday’s meeting with the Providence Bruins with intensity but could not sustain it, losing 5-2 at the Amica Mutual Pavilion.
comets start fast but bruins respond
Utica threatened immediately when the line of Riley Tufte, Ryan Schmelzer and Cam Squires pushed into the offensive zone in the opening 20 seconds, but Providence goaltender Jiri Patera made several early saves. The former Comet Brian Halonen was assessed a tripping penalty 19 seconds into the game, giving Utica its first power play.
- Gabe Klassen opened the scoring at 14:01 of the first period, firing from a sharp angle outside the left circle to beat Patera blocker side and make it 1-0. Topias Vilen and Josh Filmon drew assists on Klassen’s third goal of the season.
- Providence tied the game at 1 when Max Guenette converted a rebound at 17:07 of the first period, his second of the year.
- The Bruins surged early in the second, taking a 3-1 lead on goals by Attilio Biasca and Mikey Eyssimont at 0:47 and 1:42 of the period, respectively.
- Utica cut the deficit to 3-2 at 2:52 of the second when Jack Malone finished a 2-on-1 for his first goal of the year; Lenni Hameenaho and Ben Steeves assisted.
third-period finish
Utica entered the third period trailing 3-2. Providence added two goals in the final frame to pull away and secure the 5-2 victory. Comets goaltender David Rittich finished with the game in net for Utica; Jiri Patera started for Providence.
Saturday’s loss was Utica’s first road defeat against Providence this season and the final regular-season meeting between the clubs at Amica Mutual Pavilion.
what to watch next
The Comets will look to regroup as they continue their road schedule. The teams are scheduled to meet no further in the regular season at Providence’s arena.
