Senators Come Up Short in 3-0 Loss at Utica
The Belleville Senators were unable to score in Utica, losing 3-0 to the Comets in the first game of their weekend matchup. Both teams generated early opportunities, but Utica broke through first.
Strong Start by Utica
The Comets opened the scoring on the power play after a swift passing exchange between Seamus Casey and Xavier Parent, who set up Matyas Melovsky to make it 1-0. Despite Belleville’s efforts, they were outshot 15-5 in the opening period and faced three penalty kills.
Utica Extends the Lead
Early in the second period, Utica widened the gap when Calen Addison netted his first goal of the season, assisted by Jonathan Gruden and Mikael Diotte. The momentum stayed with the Comets as former Senator Angus Crookshank added a third goal late in the frame, with help from Ethan Edwards and Ryan Schmelzer.
“We created some pressure but couldn’t convert our chances,” a Belleville coach noted postgame.
Final Push Falls Short
Belleville managed several scoring chances in the final period but failed to find the back of the net. The Comets sealed the 3-0 win, securing the first victory in their 10-game season series.
Looking Ahead
The Senators will face the Comets again next Friday at Adirondack Bank Center as part of a three-game road trip through New York State.
Author’s summary: Belleville’s offensive struggles and Utica’s sharp execution on special teams defined a decisive 3-0 Comets win to open the weekend series.