The Belleville Senators were hard-pressed for offence on Friday night, dropping a 3-0 decision to the Utica Comets.
Nico Daws posted a 19-save shutout in dropping the Sens to a 4-5-1-0 record on the season through 10 games.
The Comets got rewarded for a dominant first period late in the frame, outshooting Belleville 15-5 and taking a 1-0 lead courtesy of Matyas Melovsky.
Utica added to its lead early in the second on some quick passing that led to a goal from Calen Addison.
Former B-Sen Angus Crookshank then popped home his fourth of the year in his first game against his old team at the 13:27 mark, before the Comets locked down their defensive zone in the third.
The Sens were held in check despite some spurts at times throughout the contest and despite the best efforts of goaltender Hunter Sheppard, who celebrated turning 30 by recording 35 saves.
Belleville will have to rebound fast against the Hartford Wolf Pack Saturday at CAA Arena, with puck drop at 7 p.m. for Bay of Quinte Night.
(BROCK ORMOND)
