Sports stats



Leighton Foils Binghamton Again

November 7, 2007 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany River Rats News Release


Albany, NY - Casey Borer scored his first professional goal and Michael Leighton recorded his third shutout of the season as the Albany River blanked the Binghamton Senators 2-0 Wednesday night at the Times Union Center.

The River Rats were looking to carry the high-energy win over the Lowell Devils last Saturday into Wednesday's battle for second place in the division, but with two early penalties, Albany was forced to defend the Binghamton power play. After holding the B-Sens scoreless, the River Rats took to the offense with their first power play late in the first period. Jerome Samson blasted in his team-leading fifth goal of the season at 17:51, assisted by Ryan Bayda and Jamie Johnson. Almost immediately following Samson's goal, starting goaltender Michael Leighton denied a short-handed breakaway from Denis Hamel to keep the River Rats ahead 1-0.

Albany turned up the pressure in the second period, out-shooting Binghamton 18-9, but the goaltenders ruled the frame, as Albany's Michael Leighton and the Binghamton's Brian Elliot were both outstanding.

The River Rats distanced themselves in the third period when they cashed in for their second power play strike of night. Defenseman Casey Borer sent a blistering shot over the glove of Elliot and into the top shelf at 7:51 for his first professional goal, assisted by Samson and Johnson; it was the first goal scored by a River Rats defenseman this season. With an insurance goal on the board, Leighton shut the door on the Senators, making seven saves in the final period to lead Albany to a 2-0 win and his AHL-leading third shutout of the year.

Leighton stopped all 28 shots to record his fifth win and his 25th career AHL shutout. Albany finished 2-for-7 on the power play, just the second time this season they have scored two or more power play goals in one game. The River Rats improved their record to 7-4-0-1, pulling two points ahead of Binghamton into sole possession of second place in the East Division. Brian Elliot took the loss in goal for the B-Sens, making 36 saves on 38 shots; the Senators were 0-for-5 on the power play.

Albany hits the road for two games this weekend, beginning in Connecticut Saturday, November 10th as they play their first game of the season against the Hartford Wolf Pack. Sunday, November 11th the River Rats will square off with the East Division's first place Philadelphia Phantoms. The next home game is scheduled for Friday, November 16th against the Hershey Bears 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.

• Discuss this story on the American Hockey League message board...

American Hockey League Stories from November 7, 2007


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.

Other Recent Albany River Rats Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central