AHL: Providence Wins Fifth Straight Behind Locmelis’ Overtime Winner

The Providence Bruins welcomed the Utica Comets tonight to Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, RI. Providence entered the game off a 3-2 overtime win over the Hartford Wolf Pack on Wednesday. The Bruins entered tonight’s game riding a four-game winning streak which came after sustaining their first loss of the season. Utica is coming in off a 4-3 shootout loss to the Belleville Senators last night; it was their third straight loss. Simon Zajicek got the start in goal for the Bruins bringing in a 4-1-0 record with a 1.60 goals-against average and a .943 save percentage. Nico Daws got the start for the Comets posting a 2-3-1 with a 2.48 goals-against average, a .899 save percentage, and a shutout. 

Utica Comets vs Providence Bruins 

First Period 

The Bruins jumped out to an early lead just over eight minutes into the game. Dans Locmelis netted his fourth goal of the season. The goal was shorthanded for Providence. Just before the period ended with 35 seconds left in the frame Riley Tufte scored his team-leading eighth goal of the season. Providence dominated the period outshooting Utica 22-13

Second Period 

The middle period saw the Comets get on the board as Xavier Parent scored his third of the season. That would be the lone goal in the period. The Comets outshot the Bruins in the middle period 13-9. 

Third Period 

In the final period of regulation, the Comets tied the game as Angus Crookshank scored his team-leading fifth goal making it 2-2. The game would head to overtime. Both teams finished the period with eight shots on goal. 

Overtime 

Both teams’ goalies stood on their heads to keep their teams alive. Locmelis though found a way to beat Daws with a beautiful snap shot with nine seconds left in overtime to give Providence the win. Providence outshot Utica 6-2 in overtime. 

Wrap Up

Zajicek stopped 34 of the 36 shots he faced earning him the third star of the game. Daws stopped 42 of the 45 shots he faced. Tufte was the second star and Locmelis was the first star with the game winner. 

Next Up

The Bruins return to the ice tomorrow against the Laval Rocket at Amica Mutual Pavilion with puck drop set for 3:05 PM EST. Utica’s next game is Friday against the Springfield Thunderbirds at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, MA.