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February 19, 2007 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany River Rats News Release


The Albany River Rats, coming off back-to-back wins against AHL-leading Norfolk and Hershey, play three games this week, including two critical East Division games against Bridgeport. The River Rats trail Bridgeport by seven points for the fourth and final playoff spot in the East Division with 28 games left in the regular season. News, notes and storylines heading into this week's action:

- The River Rats earned seven of a possible 10 points in a stretch that saw them play five consecutive games against the top two teams in the AHL, Norfolk (2-0-0-1) and Hershey (1-1-0-0). Albany had not beaten a Hershey team since March 28, 2004 prior to its 3-1 win February 17 at Giant Center, snapping a 19-game losing streak against the Bears.

- The River Rats complete a two-game road trip Tuesday, February 20 at Bridgeport and then host the Sound Tigers Friday, February 23 at the Times Union Center to begin a three-game home stand. Games Saturday, February 24 vs. Portland and Wednesday, February 28 vs. Hershey complete the home stand.

- At 24-24-2-2, the River Rats have six more wins, 12 more points and six fewer regulation losses than they had last season after 52 games. They posted their 24th victory in their 52nd game - the fastest the club has reached 24 wins since 1998-99 (39th game). Albany did not record its 24th win last season until April 13 in its 78th game.

- The River Rats win February 17 at Hershey was their 12th of the season away from home, surpassing last season's road victory total (11).

- Center Jakub Petruzalek has scored goals in five of his last six games (six goals, two assists), including goals (two) in each of his last two. He has eight goals and 11 assists in 29 games since being acquired by Carolina from the New York Rangers in exchange for Brad Isbister November 21.

- Left wing Antti Laaksonen has recorded three goals and one assist on 11 shots in two games since being assigned by Colorado. He had two goals and an assist in his debut in an Albany uniform February 16 vs. Norfolk - his first AHL regular-season game since March 31, 2000 (vs. Hartford) and first AHL multiple-goal game since April 3, 1999 (at New Haven) while playing for Providence.

COMMUNITY APPEARANCES (VIDEO/PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES):

February 21: Tim Conboy, Kyle Cumiskey and Mitch Love - Albany Bombers Learn to Skate practice (Swinburne Park), 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

February 22: Matt Murley and player TBD, Beacon Pointe Memory Care Community Center (1 Emma Lane, Clifton Park), 4 - 5 p.m.

February 25: River Rats team, Booster Club Bowl-a-thon to benefit the Ronald McDonald House "Love Builds" program (Ridgewood Lanes, 1541 Central Ave.), 11:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.



American Hockey League Stories from February 19, 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.

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