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For the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Friday night's matchup against the Utica Comets started promisingly but ended in disappointment. The Penguins held a 3-1 advantage in the second period, only to see the Comets strike twice in an eight-second span to tie the game.
The score remained deadlocked until the final minute of regulation. With just 30.8 seconds left on the clock, Dmitry Osipov found the back of the net to give Utica a 4-3 lead, spoiling the possibility of overtime.
In a desperate attempt to force an extra period, WBS pulled goaltender Joel Blomqvist for an extra attacker, but the clock ran out before they could find an equalizer.
Melvin Fernstrom, Avery Hayes, and Bill Zonnon each scored for the Penguins in the losing effort. Hayes, who has been on a tear, now boasts six goals and 10 points in seven games. His shorthanded goal on Friday was a highlight-reel snipe, further solidifying his reputation as a rising talent. Despite not being with the NHL club currently, Hayes appears destined for a full-time role in the near future.
With the loss, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton's record stands at 4-4-1-0. The team will look to bounce back on Sunday when they host the Hershey Bears to begin their November schedule. Puck drop is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET.
Key Analysis
The Penguins' inability to hold a two-goal lead proved costly, as Utica's quick strikes shifted the momentum. Hayes' continued excellence provides a silver lining, but WBS must tighten defensively to avoid similar collapses. The upcoming game against Hershey offers an immediate chance for redemption.
Originally reported by yahoo.