Vilén's Shootout Goal Lifts Utica Past Bridgeport 2-1

Topias Vilén’s backhand-to-forehand finish in the third round of the shootout gave the Utica Comets a 2-1 victory over the Bridgeport Islanders at Adirondack Bank Center, a low-scoring tilt decided by goaltending and a single high-skill moment. Jakub Málek was instrumental throughout, and Utica picked up its second shootout win of the season while earning points in three of four games.

The first period was scoreless as Bridgeport created several Grade-A chances but could not convert. Kenny Kaminsky of Isles In The Sound captured the tone: “The first period was a strong one for the Islanders, as they generated several Grade-A scoring chances but couldn’t find the back of the net. On the other end, Jeremy Smith turned aside a number of quality looks and once again appeared calm, confident, and in control between the pipes.” Bridgeport went ahead in the second period, though accounts differ on the goal-scorer: a Bridgeport release credits Adam Beckman with a 12:55 tally for his eighth of the season, while Isles In The Sound credits Joey Larson, finishing a feed from Cole McWard. Utica answered at 15:30 of the second when Shane LaChance shoveled home a loose puck for his eighth of the year, with Nathan Legare and Jack Malone earning assists.

The third period and overtime stayed scoreless. Utica’s best late regulation chance came on its fourth power play with two minutes remaining but it did not convert; Utica finished 0-for-4 on the power play and 1-for-1 on the penalty kill. The teams went to a shootout after overtime failed to produce a winner.

In the shootout Utica’s netminder Málek (listed in some sources as Jakub Malek or Jakub Malik) delivered a decisive performance, including a stop on Matthew Highmore early in the third round that set up Vilén. Utica’s account described the winning move: Vilén “skated 1-on-1 against Jeremy Smith and made a great move from backhand to forehand, tucking it around the netminder’s right pad to win the game for the Comets.” Vilén reflected on the finish and the contest: “Both teams defended well the whole game. Neither team had good chances to score. That's a good hockey game,” and on his shootout move he added, “That's my move. That's what I do. And this time it went in. That was good.” Rome Sentinel also credited Málek with a 25-save performance and his fourth straight home start, noting he “denied all three Bridgeport players in the shootout.” Team shot totals were tight, with Bridgeport outshooting Utica 26-25.

Beyond the boxscore, the game reinforced AHL realities: goaltending can swing outcomes, shootouts create highlight moments that energize home crowds, and tight, defensive games emphasize development of situational play, special teams, composure, and one-on-one skill. For Utica, the result nudges a sluggish season forward; Rome Sentinel noted the win moves the Comets to 13-21-5-3. The Comets return to Adirondack Bank Center for a 6 p.m. puck drop Saturday against the Rochester Americans, while Bridgeport heads to Total Mortgage Arena for a 7 p.m. matchup against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Fans and evaluators will be watching whether Málek’s form and Vilén’s finishing can translate into consistency down the stretch.