SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Utica Comets wrapped up their four-game road trip with a 2-1 loss to the Syracuse Crunch Saturday night at the OnCenter War Memorial. The Galaxy Cup series is now all square at two points apiece.
Michael Chaput (0-1-1) recorded an assist in the contest, and has now posted a point in all but one of the Comets 10 games this season. Goaltender Richard Bachman made 25 saves in the loss.
After a scoreless first period that saw both teams combine for 20 shots, it was an own goal that added a mark to the scoreboard. With the Comets on the power play, Bachman’s clearing shot bounced off his own defender and trickled into his net. Erik Condra was officially credited with the goal.
A lengthy 5-on-3 power play gave the Comets the opportunity they needed to tie the game back up. From the bottom of the face-off circle, Grenier one-timed Chaput’s pass off Wilcox’s leg pad and in for his fourth goal of the season. Jordan Subban picked up the secondary assist to extend his point streak to five games.
The Crunch laid claim to their second lead of the night after a poke-checked pass found Mike Halmo all alone in the slot. Halmo’s shot ripped past Bachman’s glove to give the Crunch a 2-1 lead.
The Comets successfully killed off four of the Crunch’s five power play opportunities, while the power play scored on one of their six chances.
The Comets finally return to the Utica Memorial Auditorium for a six-game homestand starting on Friday, Nov. 11 against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Puck drop for Military Appreciation Night is scheduled for 7 p.m.
