Nylander, Gibson lead Marlies over Comets 3-2

UTICA, N.Y. - William Nylander scored his first American Hockey League goal and Christopher Gibson stopped 52 shots as the Toronto Marlies held on to defeat the host Utica Comets 3-2 on Friday.

Nylander — playing in his third game since coming over from Sweden — opened the scoring 1:51 into the game for the Marlies (18-17-7), who snapped a three-game skid.

Greg McKegg and Connor Brown extended Toronto's lead to 3-0 with goals in the second period.

Brandon DeFazio and Tom Sestito responded in the third period for the Comets (24-12-6), who dropped their fifth game in a row.

Jacob Markstrom stopped 16-of-19 shots for Utica.

The Marlies went 0 for 2 on the power play while the Comets failed to score on three chances with the man advantage.

The two clubs will meet again Saturday in Toronto to play the back end of a home-and-home series.