Barons square series with Comets

Jujhar Khaira scored twice, including the go-ahead goal late in the second period, and Darnell Nurse had three assists in his first AHL appearance of the season as Oklahoma City defeated Utica, 7-4, in Game 4 of their Western Conference semifinal series at Cox Convention Center on Wednesday.

With the best-of-seven series tied at two games apiece, the Barons host Game 5 on Thursday.

Brad Hunt tallied an empty-net goal and assisted on three of the Barons’ four power-play goals on the night.

Andrew Miller, Matthew Ford, Ryan Hamilton and Brandon Davidson also scored for Oklahoma City, and Richard Bachman made 38 saves to improve to 4-2 on the postseason.

Hunter Shinkaruk, Sven Baertschi, Alex Friesen and Brendan Gaunce scored for the Comets, and Jacob Markstrom stopped 17 of 23 shots in defeat.

Western Conference Semifinals – Series “K” (best-of-7)
1-Utica Comets vs. 6-Oklahoma City Barons

Game 1 – Thu., May 7 – Oklahoma City 2, UTICA 1 (4OT)
Game 2 – Fri., May 8 – UTICA 2, Oklahoma City 1 (OT)
Game 3 – Mon., May 11 – Utica 3, OKLAHOMA CITY 2
Game 4 – Wed., May 13 – OKLAHOMA CITY 7, Utica 4
Game 5 – Thu., May 14 – Utica at Oklahoma City, 8:00
Game 6 – Mon., May 18 – Oklahoma City at Utica, 7:00
*Game 7 – Wed., May 20 – Oklahoma City at Utica, 7:00
   *if necessary… All times Eastern