The first whistle wasn’t blown until 5:35 into the game amid a fast-and-furious start to the season opener. Newcomers Colin Greening and Kerby Rychel tested Comets goaltender Richard Bachman early, and the visitors were not without chances themselves.
A partial break by Curtis Valk was denied by a strong back check from Andreas Johnsson. Garret Sparks’ first save of note turn came on Ashton Sautner, before Viktor Loov showed bravery in blocking an effort from Michael Chaput. Valk, one of Utica’s better players throughout the game, jumped on a turnover but the forward whiffed on his attempted shot in the slot.