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Comets Come Up Short, Eliminated From Calder Cup Playoffs
TL;DR
The Utica Comets were eliminated from the Calder Cup Playoffs after a loss to the Providence Bruins. Colton White scored a goal late in the second period, but it wasn't enough to secure a victory.
Key points
- Utica Comets eliminated from Calder Cup Playoffs
- Colton White scored a goal late in the second period
- Celebration followed White's first goal
- Coach Ryan Parent praised the team's energy
Utica CometsProvidence BruinsColton WhiteRyan Parent
On Saturday night, Utica Comets defenseman Colton White blasted the puck from the point with less than one minute remaining in the second period at Amica Mutual Pavilion. The vulcanized rubber disc found its way past Providence Bruins goaltender Michael DiPietro, and the red light went off.
White was immediately surrounded by his defensive partner, Mikaël Diotte, and forwards Jonathan Gruden, Mike Hardman, and Ryan Schmelzer.
Watching the celebration from Utica’s bench was alternate captain and first-year Comet Angus Crookshank.
“We were going nuts,” he shared with a smile. “For (White) to get his first was awesome. We were joking with him that there was no better time.”
“Ecstatic,” Comets head coach Ryan Parent said of his team’s reaction to the defenseman’s goal. “To have the second period that we did was obviously important for the game, but also for the energy of the group. It was great.”
The goal, White’s first of the 2025-26 season, gave the Comets a 2-1 lead over the Bruins entering the third period.
It was a welcome change from trailing 1-0 and being outshot 15-6 after the opening frame
“I think we knew that we had a lot more to give," goaltender Nico Daws said of the mood in the locker room during the first intermission. "That was kind of the message. We were focused. (Providence is) a great hockey team, but so are we, and we couldn't be scared. We couldn’t go out and play timidly. We needed to go take it to them.”
Rookie Lenni Hämeenaho scored Utica’s first goal of the night 21 seconds prior to White in the middle frame. It marked the winger’s fourth straight point since being reassigned to the American Hockey League (AHL) on April 13.
In the third period, Kyle Criscuolo and Jonathan Gruden scored, while Daws made nine saves on 10 shots, leading to a 4-2 victory.
With the win, Utica reached 71 points, tying the Rochester Americans in the standings. It was an achievement that seemed nearly impossible for a team that did not celebrate its first win of the season until Nov. 1
Q&A
Why were the Utica Comets eliminated from the Calder Cup Playoffs?
The Utica Comets were eliminated after losing to the Providence Bruins in the playoffs.
Who scored the Utica Comets' last goal in the Calder Cup Playoffs?
Colton White scored the last goal for the Utica Comets in the Calder Cup Playoffs.
What was the reaction of the Comets after Colton White's goal?
The Comets celebrated enthusiastically, with players expressing joy for White's first goal.
What did Comets coach Ryan Parent say about the team's performance?
Coach Ryan Parent described the team's reaction to White's goal as ecstatic and emphasized the importance of their second-period performance.
