Rats Plague Admirals in Third Period

Published on March 11, 2009 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany River Rats News Release


ALBANY, N.Y. - The Albany River Rats scored five goals in the third period to upend the Norfolk Admirals 5-3 on Wednesday night at the Times-Union Center.

The Admirals (26-32-3-5) claimed a 2-0 lead with goals less than a minute apart late in the first period. Norfolk opened scoring at 15:41 after Pete Zingoni sent a pass from his own blueline to Brandon Segal entering the attacking zone along the right wing. Segal sent a wrist shot from the top of the circle that beat Albany netminder Daniel Manzato for his 22nd goal of the season.

The visiting team doubled their lead just 54 seconds later on a power play. Blair Jones sent a shot from the right point that bounced off Manzato. Justin Keller scored after finding the rebound during a goalmouth scramble at 16:35. The goal was Keller's 15th tally overall but was his first goal scored on the road this season.

After a scoreless second period, the River Rats (29-28-3-3) closed their deficit to one goal 6:15 into the third period. Brett Carson sent a wrist shot from the point that deflected high in the air off the glove of Norfolk neminder Riku Helenius and off the crossbar before Jerome Samson punched it into the net.

Albany tied the game at 2-2 just over five minutes later. Helenius went behind his net and attempted to send a pass to a teammate. However, the puck was stolen by Mike Angelidis and centered to the slot. Aaron Clarke received the pass and sent a wrist shot past Helenius at 11:57.

The River Rats took the lead for good less than five minutes later. Samson's initial shot was stopped by Helenius. Nick Dodge found the rebound bouncing in the slot and sent a backhand shot into the net at 16:11.

Under a minute later, the Albany lead grew to 4-2. Yannick Tifu picked off a pass in the left faceoff circle and sent a shot that bounced off Helenius to Pat Dwyer, who scored from the slot at 16:57.

Norfolk closed their gap to one goal after pulling Helenius in favor of the extra attacker. Zenon Konopka scored with 1:17 left with a shot from the right faceoff circle off the left shoulder of Manzato.

However, an empty net goal by Dwyer with 46 seconds remaining sealed the victory for Albany.

Riku Helenius (36 shots, 32 saves) took the loss. Daniel Manzato (36 shots, 33 saves) got the win.

Norfolk was 1-4 on the power play. Albany was 0-7.

The Admirals will continue a five-game road trip on Friday and Saturday nights in Binghamton. The puck drops both nights against the Senators at 7:05 p.m.

The next home action takes place on Wednesday, March 18 when the Admirals take on the Binghamton Senators. That night is both Family Fun Pack Night and Student Rush Night. For more details on these discounted ticket offers, please visit norfolkadmirals.com.

To purchase tickets to any Admirals game, you may visit the Scope Box Office weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., visit any Ticketmaster outlet, call Ticketmaster at (757) 671-8100 or visit Ticketmaster online at www.ticketmaster.com. Don't miss a minute of the action by purchasing your 2009-10 season tickets today. Season tickets start at just $42 per month! Stop by the Admirals' Administrative Offices at Scope, call (757) 640-1212 weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or visit norfolkadmirals.com anytime!

Three Stars:

1. Pat Dwyer - ALB

2. Nick Dodge - ALB

3. Jerome Samson - ALB

Notes ... Albany's five goals in the third period tied a Norfolk franchise record for goals allowed in a single period. It marked the fourth time in AHL Admirals history it has happened and the first time since October 18, 2008 in Hamilton ... The home team won each game of the season series between Albany and Norfolk with both teams claiming four victories on home ice ... Zenon Konopka has points and assists in four straight games (1G, 4A) and has points in eight of his last ten games (2G, 9A) ... Justin Keller has points in four straight games (3G, 2A) and eight of his last 11 games (7G, 4A) ... Blair Jones has points in four of his last five games (5G, 2A) and eight of his last 12 games (6G, 7A) ... The Admirals played without defenseman Richard Petiot due to NHL recall to the Tampa Bay Lightning and forward Jay Rosehill, who was traded to the Toronto Marlies yesterday ... Scratches: F Bracken Kearns, F Jason Ward and D Scott Jackson ... F Steve Downie missed the game due to suspension ... Attendance: 2,378.

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



American Hockey League Stories from March 11, 2009


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