GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Utica Comets scored three times in a span of 9:33 during the opening period on Sunday before climbing onto the back of Jacob Markstrom and holding on for a 3-2 win over the Grand Rapids Griffins in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at Van Andel Arena.
Markstrom recorded 32 saves, several of the spectacular variety, to help Utica withstand the Griffins' 34-21 shot advantage and improve his record following a loss this postseason to a perfect 7-0.
Now up 3-2 in the best-of-seven series, the Comets will host Game 6 and, if necessary, Game 7 this Tuesday and Wednesday at the Utica Memorial Auditorium at 7 p.