Hershey Squeeks By Albany In OT 3-2

Published on November 28, 2008 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany River Rats News Release


ALBANY, NY - Francois Bouchard scored the game-winning goal in overtime to lift the Hershey Bears over the Albany River Rats 3-2 Friday night at the Times Union Center.

Hershey entered tonight's game riding a six-game winning streak, but they faced a River Rats team that was defending a streak of their own, having gone unbeaten in their last three. Albany right wing Jakub Petruzalek opened the scoring at 8:09 in the first period as his snap shot from just inside the blue line eluded Hershey goaltender Simeon Varlamov and clanged off the post and in for his team-leading sixth goal of the season; captain Tim Conboy and left wing Dan LaCouture registered assists on the goal. Despite three power play opportunities in the frame the River Rats could not extend the lead. Strong play on the other side of the ice by net-minder Justin Peters kept it a 1-0 game after one.

Bears center Alexandre Giroux tied the game at 4:30 of the second, scoring his 14th goal of the season, with assists from Andrew Gordon and AHL points leader Keith Aucoin. Rookie forward Harrison Reed recaptured the lead for the River Rats at 18:21 with a power play goal as Brett Carson's shot from the right circle banked off of Reed's leg and into the net. The goal was Reed's second of the season and the Rats again headed to the locker room with a one goal lead.

Albany brought a hard-working, physical brand of hockey to the third period, winning battles along the boards, racing to loose pucks and hitting the ice to block shots as they tried to preserve their lead. However, the Bears evened the score when Kyle Wilson snapped a wrist shot into the roof of the net from close range for a power play goal at 10:06. The Bears nearly took the lead on two more power play opportunities during the final eight minutes of play, including one at 17:50, but Albany's spirited defense sent the game into overtime.

Both teams had scoring chances in the first two minutes of the four-on-four overtime session, but it was Hershey's Francois Bouchard who scored the overtime winner at 2:25. Bouchard collected a loose puck in the slot and ripped a quick shot passed Peters to win the game for the Bears.

Hershey goaltender Simeon Varlamov stopped 18-of-20 shots for the win, as the Bears improved to 16-5-0-1 on the season. River Rats starter Justin Peters made 25 saves on 28 shots as Albany earned a point for 5-9-3-2 record. Hershey out-shot the River Rats 28-20 and went 1-for-4 on the power play; Albany went 1-for-5 with the man advantage.

Currently in the middle of a four-game home stand, Albany will host the Syracuse Crunch at 5:00 pm on Saturday, November 29th 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.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



American Hockey League Stories from November 28, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central