The Belleville Senators travelled to Utica to take on the Comets for their second meeting of the season, losing in a close 1-0 contest.
The first period featured no scoring but still had opportunities at both ends of the ice. The Senators killed off one penalty but were unable to capitalize on any of their three power-play opportunities in the opening frame. Belleville outshot the Comets 8-6 heading into the middle period.
The second was similar to the first, as neither side was able to break the deadlock. This time, the Comets had the edge on the man advantage with two opportunities, but the Senators successfully killed off both penalties. Belleville also had a power-play chance of their own, but nothing came from it. Utica held the edge in shots during the period, outshooting the Senators 11-5.
In the final 20 minutes, the game finally saw a goal as the Comets broke through. Near the end of a power play in the offensive zone, Anton Silaev worked the puck down low to Ben Steeves, whose cross-ice pass found Xavier Parent. Parent’s shot deflected in to give Utica a 1-0 lead. That lone goal would stand as the difference, as Belleville fell to Utica in a close 1-0 loss. Comets goaltender Jakub Malek stopped all 19 shots he faced for the shutout, while Senators netminder Kevin Reidler made 26 saves on 27 shots.
Belleville will see Utica again on December 18th for the first of two consecutive meetings, with both sides set to play back-to-back games beginning that Friday inside CIBC Place at 7:00 p.m.
The Senators now turn their attention to this weekend, when they open a two-game series against the Cleveland Monsters (AHL affiliate of the Columbus Blue Jackets). Puck drop is set for 4:00 p.m. at CIBC Place.
Fast Facts:
- #12 Kasper Halttunen recorded three shots on net
- #45 Kevin Reidler saved 26 of 27 shots
- #47 Blake Montgomery registered three shots on goal
- The Senators were 2/3 on the penalty kill
