Refreshed River Rats conquer Bears 4-2

Published on January 18, 2008 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany River Rats News Release


ALBANY, NY - The Albany River Rats took over sole possession of third place in the East Division with a 4-2 win over the Hershey Bears Friday night at the Times Union Center.

After a scoreless first period dominated by the goaltenders, Albany took control early in the second period when Jakub Petruzalek cashed in for his fifth goal of the season on a three-on-one rush. Jamie Johnson set up the goal, faking a move to Dave Gove then centering a crisp pass to the trailing Petruzalek who rifled his one-timer passed goaltender Daren Machesney at 4:59. Brandon Nolan doubled the River Rats lead on another odd man rush as Keith Aucoin threaded a perfect cross-ice pass to the far post for Nolan, who slapped the puck into the net for his team-leading 16th goal of the season at 7:13.

With Albany seemingly in control of the period, the Bears found some life in the name of Chris Bourque. The Hershey left wing put the visitors on the board at 17:27 of the middle frame when he knocked in a close shot to cut the lead in half. 78 seconds later Bourque found the net again, this time on a power play, blasting a one-timer passed goaltender John Grahame at 18:45 for his second of the game and 14th of the season.

But for the second straight home game, the River Rats were buoyed in the third period by newcomer Jordan Fox. After blocking a shot in the defensive zone, Fox raced down the left wing on a two-on-one rush. Confronted by a Hershey defender near the left face off dot, Fox tried to cut back to his right side, only to lose his balance and fall to his knees. But the rookie center showed amazing skill and composure to snap a wrist shot from his fallen position that hit the inside of the far post, over the glove of Machesney, and into the net at 12:26 for spectacular unassisted goal. Aucoin then cashed in for a power play goal at 16:05, his eighth of the season assisted by Dave Gove and Mark Flood, giving the River Rats an insurance goal and a 4-2 lead. With 2:13 remaining in the game Hershey pulled their goaltender for a 6-on-4 advantage, but almost conceded another goal on two occasions. First goaltender John Grahame's long-range effort from just above his own crease sailed wide of the goal, then Fox narrowly missed scoring his second goal of the game due to a fantastic diving back-check by Eric Fehr.

John Grahame won his third game of the season for Albany, stopping 32-of-34 shots in goal as the River Rats improved to 23-19-0-2, two points ahead of Hershey in the East Division standings. Daren Machesney suffered his third loss of the season, making 30 saves on 34 shots as the Bears dropped to 22-16-0-2. Albany finished the game 1-for-6 on the power play, while Hershey was 1-for-5.

The River Rats will complete their two-game weekend on Saturday, January 19th as they host the Bridgeport Sound Tigers at 7:00 pm at the Times Union Center. Wednesday, January 23rd Albany will face off with the Hartford Wolf Pack for the second time this season. Scheduled for a 7:00 pm face off, it is the only time the New York Rangers' top minor-league affiliate will travel to Albany this season.

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 January 18, 2008


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