UTICA The Utica Comets forced their third straight game to overtime, but failed to extend their winning streak to five AHL games as they dropped a 3-2 shootout at the Utica Memorial Auditorium against the Lake Erie Monsters on Tuesday night.

Utica forward Benn Ferriero improved his scoring streak to nine games with a goal and an assist, while Patrick Mullen also lit the lamp for the Comets. Reigning AHL player of the week goalie Joacim Eriksson turned aside 34 of 36 shots as he earned his team a point for the eighth time in his past nine starts.

The Comets skated out to a 2-1 first period lead before being held scoreless over the next two periods and came up short in overtime.

Utica got off on the right foot as they struck first for the 19th time this season. Mullen made his return to the lineup known in a big way, as he buried a Ferriero feed at the back post for a power-play goal at the 10:40 mark of the first. Cal OReilly also picked up a helper on the play.

Lake Erie answered exactly one minute later as Mark Olver scored his tenth goal of the season. Forward Andrew Agozzino picked up the lone assist on the play, his 18th helper of the season.

The Comets regained the lead at the 14:44 mark of the period, as Ferriero redirected home a Peter Andersson shot from the point to make it 2-1. Ferrieros goal gives him six goals over his past six games, while Andersson now has points in four of his last five. Alex Biega picked up the secondary assist, his tenth point of the season.

Utica remains undefeated in regulation when they lead after the first period, moving to 6-0-1-3 in those situations. The Comets grabbed 1-0 and 4-3 overtime victories over Abbotsford last weekend, but could not secure their third straight overtime win.

The Comets host the Syracuse Crunch on Friday night at the Auditorium in Pink The Rink Night in support of breast cancer awareness. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m.

The game is sold out.

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Comets come up short in overtime this time