Binghamton Devils Lose a Tough One to Utica Comets in OT

Binghamton, NY - This one stings.

The BDevils controlled play for much of three periods over the Utica Comets on Saturday but found a way to lose in OT by a score of 3-2 without a bit of controversy at the end.

Zack MacEwen scored the game-winner after Aston Sautner got tied up with goaltender Louis Domingue in a battle with Dakota Mermis in the crease, but the referee called it a good goal after a lengthy discussion by the four officials near the penalty box.

Here is an overhead shot I obtained with the play in question with the puck in the net;

But the main topic was another two-goal lead that disappeared for the Devils and led to the eventual outcome with the Comets scoring three unanswered in their comeback.

Binghamton (5-7-3) would jump to an early 1-0 lead when Joe Morrow (1) pounced on a rebound given up by Utica goalie Michael DiPietro off the stick of Ben Street. The momentum carried on and a 1:38 later Street (6) scored for a power-play tally by some smooth tic-tac-toe passing involving Joey Anderson and Brett Seney.

No scoring took place in the middle frame as both teams had their opportunities as it became a battle between the two players in-between the pipes.

However, the third period had a different story-line as Utica (9-4-0) began their comeback by goals from Stefan LeBlanc (1) and Tyler Graovac (1) that would send the contest to overtime with both clubs securing a point.

Binghamton lost to end their three game winning streak at home while Utica ended their four game losing streak. It was the fifth time for the BDevils to face the Comets in 15 outings this season as the game was chippy with player engagements throughout the night.

Shots ended up in favor of the Comets 35-30.

Line-Up, Game #15

Seney - Street - Anderson, Conner - McLeod - Bastian, Sharangovich - Maltsev - Studenic, Baddock - Larsson - Schmelzer

Morrow/White, Snuggerud/Paliotta, Mermis/Jacobs

Domingue - Senn

Scratches: Gignac, Speers, Comiskey, Zetterlund, & Melchiori

Post Game Notes

• A big crowd took in the event on Military Appreciation Night as the spirited game was entertaining to watch between the two divisional rivals. Binghamton wore their special military unis that were auctioned off following the game.
• Evan Cormier was sent to Adirondack as the Devils will go with two netminders for now. Defensemen Colby Sissons and Jeremy Groleau were also sent down to Glens Falls to work on their game.
• Brandon Baddock once again played the role of a pest to get under the skin of several Comets as tensions were high between the two clubs.
• Domingue showed flashes of brilliance with some big saves including one in OT. But his puck handling has been shaky at times that makes me nervous including a giveaway in the 1st that almost resulted in a goal.
• Defenseman Michael Paliotta and forward Mikhail Maltsev both returned to action after some lengthy time on the injury list.
• The Devils need to find a way to maintain a lead and stop letting the opposing team crawl their way back. It’s becoming an issue that needs to stop as Panel member Dave Rogan agrees;

Your Three Stars

#1. Ben Street (1g, 1a), #2. Zack MacEwen (1g), #3. Joe Morrow (1g)

Video Highlights

A Look From Above