Albany Beats Binghamton 4-2 For 4th Straight Win

Published on February 11, 2009 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany River Rats News Release


BINGHAMTON, NY - The Albany River Rats three first period goals as they defeated the Binghamton Senators 4-2 Wednesday night at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena.

If there were any thoughts of Albany showing fatigue after their physical contest in Buffalo Tuesday, those were erased from memory as the River Rats scored on each of their first three shots of the game. All-Star left wing Michael Ryan swooped down the left wing and snapped a wrist shot from the left circle that beat goaltender Martin Gerber over the glove just 1:24. The goal, Ryan's 25th of the season, extended his goal streak to four straight games and was assisted by Jakub Petruzalek and Mark Flood. The River Rats doubled their lead at 5:08 as rookie Nick Dodge tipped a Brett Carson shot into the net for a 2-0 advantage. Less than two minutes later Carson, Petruzalek and Ryan combined for a beautiful tic-tac-toe passing sequence to set up Dodge for a back-door power play goal at 7:42. Binghamton settled down and generated some offensive pressure later in the period, but Albany ended the period with a 3-0 lead, having out-shot the B-Sens 11 to 6.

The Senators got on the scoreboard in the second period when former River Rat Marc Cavosie was in the right place on the back post to knock in a puck that squirted through the crease at 14:40. Albany had their fair share of scoring chances in the middle frame, but saw their lead trimmed to 3-1 heading into the final period.

Binghamton captain Denis Hamel drew the home team back within one goal and brought the crowd to its feet with his 15th goal of the season at 11:55 of the third period. But Albany was able to weather the Senators onslaught and after a great interception by Mike Angelidis in the neutral zone, Joe Jensen raced down the left wing, sold a magnificent fake shot before sliding a perfect pass across to Pat Dwyer who slammed the puck into the open goal at 18:53. Dwyer's 12th goal of the season, assisted by Jensen, gave the Rats some much needed insurance and sealed a 4-2 win.

River Rats goaltender Justin Peters made 23 saves on 25 shots to record his 12th win of the season as Albany improved to 23-23-3-2 on the year, reaching the .500 mark for the first time since early October. Binghamton goaltender Martin Gerber stopped 26-of-30 shots and took the loss as the Senators fell to 27-17-5-3. The Rats out-shot the B-Sens 30-25 in the game and went 1-for-2 on the power play; Binghamton was 0-for-2 with the man-advantage.

Albany now returns home to the Times Union Center for a Friday, February 13th game against the Springfield Falcons for a 7:00 pm face off. On Saturday, February 14th the River Rats host the Lowell Devils for a Valentine's Day game at 7:00 pm.

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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American Hockey League Stories from February 11, 2009


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