Comets Fall to Bridgeport OT Slugfest

In an offensive back-and-forth battle that saw 13 goals and just as many ties and lead changes, Utica Comets fans endured a heart breaking finish as the Bridgeport Sound Tigers scored the game winner with just 7 seconds remaining in overtime Friday night at the Adirondack Bank Center.

Bridgeport's Tanner Fritz capped a two goal, three assist night with a power play goal to give the Tigers a 7-6 OT decision in the first half of a home-and-home weekend series with Utica.

Neither team led by more than a goal on a night when neither goalie could hold a lead. Thatcher Demko faced 40 shots, recording 33 saves. Christopher Gibson stopped 25 of 31.

Reid Boucher scored the first two Comet goals - his team leading tenth and eleventh on the season - and added a pair of assists. Michael Chaput also scored twice, running his season tally to eight.

Utica's three game win streak was snapped, but the team did pick up a point in defeat.

The two teams meet again Saturday night in Bridgeport.

Utica's Jordan Subban gets the better of Bridgeport's Stephen Gionta during a first period fight: