Sports stats



McKenna, Admirals Blank River Rats 5-0

December 19, 2008 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany River Rats News Release


NORFOLK, VA - Goaltender Mike McKenna made 24 saves and Radek Smolenak scored two goals as the Norfolk Admirals shutout the Albany River Rats 5-0 Friday night at Scope Arena.

Both teams emerged with noticeably higher energy to start the game in comparison with Wednesday's game in Norfolk. Albany created some early chances, but then found themselves defending when they took consecutive penalties in the second half of the frame. The best scoring opportunity came from Admirals left wing Steve Downie, who rang a wrist shot off the post during their first power play, but the game was scoreless as the first period came to an end.

Norfolk took the lead at 13:50 of the second period with a five-on-three power play goal after Albany was whistled for two minor penalties: too-many men and a bench minor for unsportsmanlike conduct. Blair Jones' shot from the point redirected off the leg of Zenon Konopka, bouncing right to the back post where Radek Smolenak had an easy tap in and 1-0 lead. The Admirals doubled their advantage on another unfortunate bounce when Ty Wishart's shot from the right point deflected off of Albany defenseman Brett Carson and into the net at 16:54.

The Admirals broke open the game in the third period as they scored two quick goals in the span of 42 seconds. Smolenak scored his second of the game at 2:44 and Steve Downie followed with an unassisted goal at 3:26 for a 4-0 lead. Norfolk capped off the scoring at 8:56 when defenseman Vladimir Mihalik blasted in a slap shot for a power play goal and a 5-0 Admirals victory. After the fifth Norfolk goal, Justin Peters was relieved in the Rats net by backup Daniel Manzato, who did not allow a goal over the final 11 minutes of play.

Mike McKenna recorded his first shutout of the season, stopping all 24 shots he faced, as Norfolk improved to 11-16-1-4 and moved ahead of Albany in the East Division standings. Justin Peters took the loss in goal for the River Rats, making 33 saves on 38 shots in 48:12 of action as Albany fell to 10-14-3-2. Daniel Manzato stopped all four shots he faced in relief over the final 11:04. The Admirals out-shot the River Rats 42-24 and went 2-for-7 on the power play; Albany was 0-for-3 with the man advantage.

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

American Hockey League Stories from December 19, 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.

Other Recent Albany River Rats Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central