Missed opportunities for Marlies in 2-1 loss to the Comets

TORONTO - Pascal Pelletier scored the game-winner with 34 seconds remaining as the Utica Comets edged the Toronto Marlies 2-1 in American Hockey League action Sunday afternoon.

Pelletier re-directed an Alex Biega shot past Drew MacIntyre for his 10th of the season.

Jeremy Welsh opened the scoring in the first period for the Comets (20-23-7), who beat Toronto for the first time in three meetings this season.

Brandon Kozun tied it for the Marlies (28-17-4) in the second.

Joe Cannata made 25 saves for his sixth win of the season while MacIntyre stopped 26 shots in the loss.

Utica opened the scoring at 18:06 of the first period as Welsh picked up his first of the season, on a power play, putting home the rebound off a Colin Stuart shot.

Toronto tied it 1-1, on a power play, at 6:54 of the second when Kozun tipped a T.J. Brennan shot past Cannata for his 14th of the campaign.

The Marlies had two separate 5-on-3 power-play opportunities totaling nearly three minutes, but mustered just three shots and failed to score.

Toronto finished the game 1 for 9 on the power play while Utica scored once on three chances with the man advantage.

The Marlies continue their 10-game home stand Monday when the Texas Stars visit.

Note: The Marlies recalled goaltender Christopher Gibson from the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL on Sunday.