Osipov’s late third-period goal lifts Utica past Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Friday

UTICA, N.Y. (Interstat) — Dmitry Osipov scored with 31 seconds remaining in the third period, and Utica beat Wilkes-Barre/Scranton 4-3 on Friday at NBT Bank Arena. Attendance was 2,456. Utica improved to 5-2, while Wilkes-Barre/Scranton fell to 4-5. Osipov had one goal and four shots on goal. Ryan Schmelzer added a goal, an assist and two shots on goal. Shane Lachance scored and had three shots, and Lenni Hämeenaho scored and had two shots for the Comets. Riley Tufte recorded an assist. For the Penguins, Bill Zonnon had a goal, three shots on goal and two penalty minutes. Avery Hayes and Melvin Fernström scored, while Daniel Russell and Harrison Brunicke each had an assist. Fernström opened the scoring at 2:46 of the first period, Hämeenaho tied it at 4:54 and Hayes put Wilkes-Barre/Scranton ahead at 10:07. Zonnon made it 3-1 in the second before Schmelzer and Lachance scored eight seconds apart to tie it. Osipov then won it from Ethan Edwards and Schmelzer.