Bochenski's Two Goals Lift Admirals Over River Rats 5-4

Published on January 29, 2009 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany River Rats News Release


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (January 29, 2009) Bochenski's Two Goals Lift Admirals Over River Rats 5-4 Albany Squanders Early Two-Goal Lead In Norfolk NORFOLK, VA - Brandon Bochenski scored two goals, including the game-winner in the third period, as the Norfolk Admirals erased an early two-goal deficit to beat the Albany River Rats 5-4 Thursday night at Scope Arena. It took very little time for the two East Division clubs to renew their rivalry as the ill-will started showing soon after the opening face off. After killing off an early penalty, the River Rats red hot power play cashed in at 6:09 of the first period when Nick Dodge made a beautiful cross-ice pass to defenseman Jonathan Paiement for a back-door goal at the far right post. The goal, assisted by Dodge and Jerome Samson, was Paiement's first goal of the season for the River Rats and was Albany's sixth power play goal in their last three games.

Joe Jensen doubled the Rats lead at 9:51 as he went to the backhand to sweep a Mike Angelidis rebound passed goaltender Mike McKenna for his sixth goal of the year. But the Admirals battled back, getting on the board at 11:37 when Justin Keller backhanded a rebound behind goaltender Justin Peters. Just one minute and 29 seconds later Norfolk tied the game as the rebound from Keller's shot rolled across the crease to Brandon Bochenski for a backside goal at 13:06. The Admirals racked up a massive 25 shots in the first period, compared to Albany's 12 shots on goal, but the game was tied after the first 20 minutes.

The Admirals took a 3-2 lead early in the second period, scoring their third consecutive goal of the game at 5:25. Jay Rosehill's shot from the top of the left circle hit Justin Peters, but squirted through his pads and into the net. Norfolk had several chances to add to their lead; Keller shot wide on a cross-ice pass and Radek Smolenak's back-door shot grazed the outside of the right post as Peters scrambled to cover his net.

Albany surged late in the period and tied the game on an impressive individual effort from Dwight Helminen at 18:49. The Rats center picked up a loose puck at his own blue line, accelerated up the ice to break passed two defenders, cut to the middle and unleashed a wrist shot under the blocker of McKenna just as he was knocked to the ice by an Admirals defenseman. Albany swarmed the Norfolk goal for the final minute and almost regained the lead, but the score remained 3-3 after two periods; the Rats were out-shot 16-8 in the second frame.

Norfolk regained the lead in the third period on Zenon Konopka's power play at 6:01; Blair Jones' slap shot kicked off of Peters right to the waiting Konopka for a wide-open goal and a 4-3 lead. 42 seconds later it was 5-3 Admirals as Bochenski scored his second goal of the night, tipping in the puck from the top of the crease on another Jones assist at 6:48. After the early letdown, the River Rats responded as rookie Ryan Weston drove the net from the right face off circle and tucked a shot through McKenna's pads at 11:43 for his fourth goal of the season. Trailing 5-4 with less than five minutes remaining the River Rats nearly tied the game on the power play when Mark Flood's slap shot from the right circle hit both post and ricocheted away harmlessly into the corner. Albany pulled Peters in the final minute of play, and they out-shot Norfolk 13-9 in the third period, but could not find the equalizer as they fell short in their comeback efforts.

Admirals' goaltender Mike McKenna stopped 29-of-33 shots to record his 10th win of the season as Norfolk improved to 17-21-2-5 on the year. River Rats goalie Justin Peters made 45 saves on 50 shots, but took the loss as Albany dropped to 19-22-3-2 this season. Norfolk finished the game 1-for-5 on the power play and out-shot the Rats 50-33; Albany was 1-for-4 with the man-advantage. The River Rats play Norfolk again on Friday, January 30th at Scope Arena at 7:15 pm. Following their three game road trip, Albany will host the Portland Pirates on Saturday, February 7th for a 5:00 pm face off at the Glens Falls Civic 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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American Hockey League Stories from January 29, 2009


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