ALBANY, NY – The Albany Devils fell to the Utica Comets 2-1 after a shootout in the last regular season matchup between the division rivals Friday at Times Union Center. Albany comes away with a point and moves to 34-27-2-3 as Utica picks up two points to move to 31-25-7-2.
Utica’s Carter Bancks scored the game’s first goal on a penalty shot at 4:01 of the third period giving the Comets a 1-0 advantage.
Jacob MacDonald scored a power play, extra attacker goal with 24 seconds left in the third period to tie the game at one. Carter Camper was credited with the assist, and Nick Lappin with the secondary.
Albany was unable to find the back of the net in the shootout. Chad Billins scored in the first round and Darren Archibald scored in the third to win the game for the Comets.
Mackenzie Blackwood had a strong night stopping 24 of 25 shots including multiple breakaway chances. Thatcher Demko made 33 saves on 34 shots for the Comets. Blackwood went 1 for 3 in the shootout while Demko went 2 for 2.
The Devils resume play Saturday for their final throwback River Rats night as they take on the Providence Bruins at Times Union Center. Puck drop is at 5 pm.
