Rome, NY - The Adirondack Flames dropped their pre-season franchise opener by a score of 4-2 against the Utica Comets on Friday night at the John F. Kennedy Arena in Rome, NY.
Bryce Van Brabant collected a goal and an assist in the defeat while netminder Doug Carr was a perfect 21-21 in 40 minutes of action. Winger Kenny Agostino also scored for Adirondack.
The Flames jumped out to the game’s first lead as Van Brabant fired a wrist shot over Jacob Markstrom’s blocker 17:15 into the first period. The Adirondack winger collected the puck off the faceoff and finished unassisted for his first of the preseason.
Adirondack doubled its advantage with 12:19 to play in the second period as Agostino followed up on a Van Brabant shot and potted the rebound. Van Brabant’s assist gave him a two-point night, while Agostino’s goal was the first of his AHL career.
Adirondack netminder Doug Carr finished with 21 saves through two periods of play, as he exited with a shutout. Mathieu Corbeil came on to close out the game for the visitors.
Utica knotted the score with two quick ones in the second period, both of which came off the stick of Dustin Jeffrey. The veteran center scored early on a chance in front, before he slid a backhander through Corbeil’s legs on a breakaway to knot the score.
The Comets took their first lead of the evening with seven minutes to play in the game as Patrick Kennedy took a loose puck in front and roofed it past Corbeil. Utica added an empty netter off the stick of Alexandre Grenier with just 37 seconds to play to seal the victory.
These two teams will meet again tomorrow evening at the Glens Falls Civic Center in the Flames’ first game on home ice. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. as the Flames conclude their pre-season schedule.
Adirondack Flames Hockey • Fired Up
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