Rochester Defeats Albany 4-3 In Shootout
March 25, 2009 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany River Rats News Release
ROCHESTER, NY- The Rochester Americans overcame a 3-1 third period deficit as they beat the Albany River Rats 4-3 in a shootout Wednesday night at Blue Cross Arena.
After a scoreless first period, where the two teams combined for only 13 shots on goal, the River Rats wasted no time getting on the scoreboard in the middle frame. Michael Duco was called for roughing 15 seconds in the second period and Albany made the Amerks pay with a power play goal just 13 seconds later. Brandon Sutter faked a shot down low near the goal line to freeze goaltender Mike Brodeur, then snapped a pass back to the slot for Harrison Reed for a one-timer in to an open at 0:35. The goal was Reed's fourth of the season and was assisted by Sutter and Brett Carson. Fellow Albany rookie Nick Dodge doubled the lead to 2-0 just 44 seconds after Reed's goal as he skated down the right wing and fired a wrist shot from the face off dot that straight up beat Brodeur at 1:12; Mark Flood and Jerome Samson were credited with assists. But the Americans got back in the game at the midway point of the second period shortly after Aaron Clarke was penalized for tripping. Michal Repik won the ensuing face off back to defenseman Matt Duffy at the blue line, who slid a pass across to Jeremy Garrison at the middle of the point and the Rochester defenseman ripped a shot into the top left corner of the net, beating a screened Justin Peters for a power play goal at 10:21.
Albany would get a two-minute five-on-three power play early in the third period, and the visiting Rats would take full advantage. Brett Carson hammered in a slap shot from the right face off circle at 6:16 to give the River Rats a 3-1, assisted by Yannick Tifu and Bobby Hughes. But the Amerks fought back, gaining momentum when Garrison blasted a slap shot from another power play goal, his second of the game a 11:34, cutting the Rats lead to one. Late in the game Rochester kept pressing and found the equalizer when Karl Stewart poked home a loose puck during a mad scramble in the Albany crease at 16:42 to force overtime.
Albany dominated the extra session as they out-shot the Americans 7-0, including a one minute four-on-three power play, but Brodeur dazzled in goal, including two saves off a turnover that saw Samson and Tifu all alone in front of the crease on a two-on-none.
In the shootout Rochester scored on their first two attempts and never looked back. Brett Parnham and Janis Sprukts each scored to give the Amerks a 2-0 lead. Brandon Sutter got one back for Albany in a must-score situation in round four, but needing a save in the fifth round from Peters, Karl Stewart once again found the net to clinch the 4-3 shootout win for Rochester.
Mike Brodeur finished the game with 29 saves on 32 shots in 65 minutes of action and then blocked three-of-four shootout attempts for his 18th win of the season as Rochester improved to 26-39-0-7 on the year. Justin Peters made 24 saves on 27 shots through regulation and overtime, but allowed three shootout goals on five attempts as Albany fell to 31-32-3-4 on the season. The River Rats out-shot the Americans 32-28 in the game and went 2-for-5 on the power play, while Rochester was 2-for-6 with the man-advantage.
The River Rats return home game to prepare for a two-game home stand, beginning on Friday, March 27th at 7:00 pm as they host the Hartford Wolf Pack at the Times Union Center.
River Rats flex ticket packages and individual game tickets are on sale now at the River Rats office and the Times Union Center Box Office. For more information please contact the Albany River Rats at (518) 487-2244 or online at www.albanyriverrats.com.
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