Utica Comets Extend Streak to Three with 4-1 Win over Lehigh Valley

Nico Daws stopped 27 shots and rode a late empty-net goal to help the Utica Comets turn a tight game into a 4-1 win over the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in downtown Utica Tuesday night, March 3, 2026, extending Utica’s winning streak to three games. The victory marked what several reports called Daws’ fifth consecutive win and moved the 25-year-old to 54 career wins with the Comets, one shy of Thatcher Demko’s franchise mark.

The scoring was settled in the third period when Oscar Eklind of Lehigh Valley tipped home a Garrett Wilson centering pass at 13:10 for his fifth goal of the year, ending Daws’ shutout bid. Brian Halonen added an empty-netter at 18:25 for his 16th goal of the season, with Ryan Schmelzer credited with the assist on Halonen’s marker and two assists overall in the game.

Utica’s special teams provided key support. The Comets went 1-for-4 on the power play and a perfect 3-for-3 on the penalty kill, while the Phantoms outshot Utica 28-22. The first period featured an even exchange, with both clubs trading seven shots apiece before the defenses tightened in the middle frames.

Daws’ work was steady and timely: he recorded 12 saves through the first 40 minutes and 15 saves in the third period to finish with 27 total stops. He acknowledged a string of positive results after the game, saying, “It is just finally getting the results, finally getting the bounces to go my way,” and added, “Mentally, there’s a lot of confidence right now. It just feels good to get on a roll.”

The Comets have now won three straight and sit 5-1-0-1 over their last seven outings, a run that has lifted the club’s recent form. This matchup was the one and only time the Comets will host the Phantoms this season, a rare Tuesday meeting of Eastern Conference rivals in downtown Utica.

Photographs from the game captured Marc McLaughlin reaching for a loose puck and showed captain Ryan Schmelzer battling Jack Malone along the boards, while a shot of Daws making a stop on Phil Tomasino illustrated the goaltender’s pivotal role. Utica returns to the arena Friday at 7 p.m. to host the Belleville Senators; fans can call 315-790-9070 or visit the Comets’ ticket page for details.

With Daws closing in on Demko’s franchise wins record and the Comets on a three-game roll, Utica’s next homestand will offer a clearer picture of whether this streak is the start of a sustained climb up the standings.