Utica Comets Edge Penguins in Late Thriller
Dmitry Osipov scores with seconds remaining to lift the Comets over Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Hockey
The Utica Comets secured a 4-3 victory against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins at NBT Bank Arena on October 30, 2026. Dmitry Osipov delivered the game-winning goal with just 30.8 seconds remaining in the third period.
Why it matters
The narrow win in Utica highlights the competitive nature of this AHL matchup as the Comets successfully broke a late-game tie. The result provides the home team with a critical edge in the standings while the Penguins look toward their next test.
Avery Hayes reached the milestone of 100 career AHL points in the loss, while both Joel Blomqvist and David Rittich recorded 20 saves throughout the contest.
The players
Dmitry Osipov
The professional hockey player secured the victory by scoring the deciding goal in the final seconds of regulation.
Avery Hayes
The hockey forward reached a career milestone of 100 AHL points during the game against the Comets.
Joel Blomqvist
The goaltender played a key defensive role by recording 20 saves during the contest.
David Rittich
The goaltender contributed to the game's defensive effort by matching his opponent with 20 saves.
The details
The Comets mounted momentum in the second period, recording two goals in a span of just eight seconds. Earlier, Melvin Fernström initiated the scoring at 2:46 of the first period, while Lenni Hämeenaho, Ryan Schmelzer, and Shane Lachance also contributed goals for Utica.
Timeline
Melvin Fernström scored at 2:46 into the first period on October 30, 2026.
Bill Zonnon scored at 5:43 of the second period on October 30, 2026.
Dmitry Osipov scored the winner with 30.8 seconds left on October 30, 2026.
The Penguins face Hershey on November 1, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This win provides a crucial boost to the Comets' position within the divisional race as they continue their 2026 campaign. The outcome forces the Penguins to recalibrate their strategy ahead of their upcoming high-stakes matchup against Hershey.
The loss marks a significant defensive struggle for the Penguins who allowed two goals in eight seconds, while Avery Hayes' 100th point stands as a key bright spot for his season total. This result forces a tighter race in the standings heading into the weekend series.
The takeaway
Late-game execution remains the deciding factor in high-stakes professional hockey, as evidenced by the decisive goal in the final minute. Fans should note how rapid scoring outbursts in the second period continue to serve as a reliable indicator of momentum shifts in AHL play.
What happens next
The Penguins are scheduled to continue their season against Hershey on November 1, 2026, at 5 p.m. at the GIANT Center.
Further reading
For more on the league's competitive landscape, visit Hockey.
