Comets fall to Rocket in OT

Laval, Que. – It was a defensive battle throughout the entire game but the Utica Comets ultimately fell to the Laval Rocket 2-1 in overtime Saturday afternoon at Place Bell. Cam Darcy scored the lone Comets goal and Ivan Kulbakov stopped 33 shots in the loss as his record fell to 4-2-1.

Neither team found the net in the first period despite a power play opportunity for each team. Kulbakov and Rocket goaltender Michael McNiven stopped six shots and five shots in the first frame, respectively.

Darcy broke the scoreless deadlock seven minutes into the second period, depositing a rebound past McNiven. Michael Carcone and Tanner MacMaster picked up the assists. Nikita Jevpalovs tied the game with a shorthanded goal five minutes later after a neutral zone turnover.

The North Division rivals were unable to score a deciding goal in the third period despite numerous chances and the game would head to overtime.

Jake Evans scored the game-winning power play goal 28 seconds into overtime while the Rocket were operating on a power play to start the extra session.