Crunch snap River Rats unbeaten streak 3-1

Published on December 21, 2007 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany River Rats News Release


Albany, NY - Defenseman Aaron Rome's third period power play goal lifted the Syracuse Crunch to a 3-1 win over Albany River Rats Saturday night at the War Memorial at Oncenter.

The two teams were at mini-polar opposites going into the first period as the River Rats were riding a five-game unbeaten streak and the Crunch had just one win in their last five games. But they battled to a scoreless draw in the opening twenty minutes, with each team registering eleven shots on goal. Albany's best chance to score in the first period came on the power play when Brandon Nolan found Jamie Johnson wide open with a back door pass, but Johnson's shot hit the corner post and bounced harmlessly away.

The second period continued much as the first had, with a few scoring chances from each team, but mostly dominated by strong defense and goaltending. Albany almost broke through with back-to-back power plays in the middle of the period, but they were held at bay by Syracuse goaltender Adam Munro. The Crunch struck first in the final minute of the second period when captain Zenon Konopka picked up a rebound in the slot and, with a little spin move, slid the puck just inside the far post for a 1-0 lead at 19:28.

The intensity rose tenfold as there were three fights in two separate altercations in the first 73 seconds of the third period. The scrums seemed to ignite both teams and the crowd, but it was not long before Albany tied the game. J.D. Forrest blasted a slap shot from the right point that took a deflection on its way into the top of the net at 3:00, leveling the score at 1-1; Brandon Nolan and Jamie Johnson assisted on Forrest's second goal of the year. But the Crunch answered soon after when Aaron Rome's slap shot from the blue line blazed into the top corner for a power play goal at 4:52, regaining a 2-1 lead. Syracuse added an empty net goal from Trevor Frischmon in the final minute of play to cap off the 3-1 victory.

Adam Munro earned the win in goal for Syracuse, stopping 25-of-26 shots; the Crunch went 1-for-3 on the power play. Michael Leighton took the loss in goal for Albany, making 31 saves on 33 shots; the River Rats were 0-for-7 on the power play in the game.

The River Rats will head East after the game as they head to Rhode Island for a Sunday afternoon match up with the first place Providence Bruins at 4:00 pm at the Dunkin' Donuts Center. After the weekend Albany will return to action on Friday, December 7th as they host the Portland Pirates at 7:00 pm at the Times Union Center.

Partial season tickets packages and flex tickets for the 2007-08 River Rats season are on sale now. 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 December 21, 2007


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