WILKES-BARRE, Pa. – The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins sustained a 4-0 loss to David Rittich and the Utica Comets on Tuesday night at Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza.
In a matchup between one of the league’s top offenses against one of the league’s tightest defenses, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (7-5-1-0) saw the well run dry despite a hard-working effort. Utica goalie David Rittich secured the shutout with 25 saves as the Penguins’ three-game win streak came to an abrupt end.
The Penguins started the game on time and quickly trapped the Comets in their zone for a series of early scoring chances. Utica weathered the storm, and once they steadied themselves, the Comets were the ones testing Joel Blomqvist with several high-danger looks.
Both goaltenders were locked in during the fast-paced first period, but Utica broke through midway through the frame. A redirection by former Penguins Stefan Noesen gave the Comets the opening strike at 9:58.
The high-flying action from the first period ground to a halt in the second, and the Penguins and Comets played a tight-checking, low-event period that saw the 1-0 score remain intact.
Utica extended its lead to two three minutes into the final frame, as Xavier Parent swept a rebound under the outstretched legs of Blomqvist.
The Penguins pulled Blomqvist for an extra attacker with 4:01 left in regulation, but the Comets quickly turned that gamble into an empty-net goal by Lenni Hämeenaho. Jack Malone added another marker for the Comets with 2:59 left on the clock.
Blomqvist took the loss for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton despite logging a season-high 32 saves.
The Penguins’ next game is the start of a three-in-three weekend when they take on the Hershey Bears on Friday, Nov. 13. Game time between the Penguins and Bears is set for 7:00 p.m. at GIANT Center.
Puck drop for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and Hamilton will be 6:05 p.m. at Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza.
Season-ticket packages for the Penguins’ 2026-27 regular season, including Full-Season, 22-game, 12-game, Flexbook and Premium Seating plans, as well as Corporate Partnership opportunities are also available by reaching out to the Penguins directly at (570) 208-7367. Individual-game tickets can also be purchased at wbspenguins.com, at the Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza box office or by calling the Penguins’ front office at (570) 208-7367.
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