River Rats Hold Off Slumping Pirates 3-1

Published on December 14, 2008 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany River Rats News Release


ALBANY, NY - Justin Peters made 25 saves and rookie Ryan Weston's first professional goal was the game-winner as the Albany River Rats beat the Portland Pirates 3-1 Sunday evening at the Times Union Center.

The Pirates drew first blood with a power play goal at 5:41 when defenseman Mike Kostka's shot from the point deflected passed Albany goaltender Justin Peters; Colton Fretter and Marc-Andre Gragnani assisted on the play. The River Rats tied the game with a power play goal of their own when Dwight Helminen tipped Michael Ryan's slap shot from the point over the blocker of Portland's Jhonas Enroth; Helminen's seventh of the year came from Ryan and Pat Dwyer at 11:25. Albany out-shot the Pirates 13-6 in the frame, but the teams headed to the locker rooms dead-locked at one.

After a scoreless and balanced second period, Albany took its first lead of the game early in the third period. Defensemen Casey Borer fired a slap shot from the blue line that bounced off Enroth's pads and kicked into the path of right wing Ryan Weston, who was driving hard to the net. Weston to the rebound in stride and lifted a shot into the roof of the net at 3:01 for his first career professional goal and a 2-1 River Rats lead. Portland responded with heavy pressure in the Albany zone, but the Pirates' momentum ceased with two minor penalties late in the game, including one during the final minutes of the game. Portland pulled their goalie to make a push for a late equalizer, but Nicolas Blanchard unselfishly set up Borer for a wide-open slap shot into the empty net with 32 seconds left in regulation to cap off a 3-1 victory.

Albany's Justin Peters stopped 25-of-26 shots faced and earned his fourth win of the year as the River Rats improved to 10-12-3-2 on the season. Pirates' goalie Jhonas Enroth made 22 saves on 24 shots and took the loss as Portland fell to 15-9-1-2. The Pirates out-shot Albany 26-25 in the game and went 1-for-3 on the power play; the River Rats went 1-for-5 with the man advantage.

Next up for Albany is a three game road trip, beginning with a Wednesday, December 17th game in Virginia at 7:15 pm against the Norfolk Admirals at the Norfolk Scope. The River Rats' next home game is scheduled for Saturday, December 27th at 5:00 pm against the Rochester Americans at the Times Union Center.

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