A late collapse doomed the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Friday night as the Utica Comets netted a game-winning goal in the final minute of play to secure a 4-3 victory. Dmitry Osipov broke a third-period tie with just 30.8 seconds remaining, preventing what appeared to be an impending overtime battle.
Comets Erase Two-Goal Deficit
The Penguins initially held command of the contest, building a 3-1 advantage during the second period. However, Utica responded rapidly by scoring two goals in an eight-second span to erase the deficit and tie the game at 3-3.
Both teams remained locked in a stalemate until Osipov’s late tally put the Comets ahead for good. Following the goal, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton pulled goaltender Joel Blomqvist in favor of an extra attacker to push for a late equalizer, but ran out of time.
Offensive Highlights and Next Matchup
Melvin Fernstrom, Avery Hayes, and Bill Zonnon supplied the offense for the Penguins in the loss. Hayes delivered a powerful shorthanded goal, continuing a standout stretch that has seen him produce six goals and 10 points across seven games this season.
With the defeat, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton moves to 4-4-1-0 on the season. The team will look to rebound on Sunday when it opens its November schedule against the Hershey Bears, with puck drop scheduled for 5 p.m. ET.
