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River Rats Out-Muscle Binghamton 4-1

January 23, 2009 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany River Rats News Release


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 23, 2009 River Rats Out-Muscle Binghamton 4-1 Ryan's Two Goal Performance Lifts Albany to Big Win ALBANY, NY - Michael Ryan scored twice in the third period and Justin Peters stopped all but one shot as the River Rats downed the Binghamton Senators 4-1 Friday night at the Times Union Center. Binghamton entered the game in possession of the fourth and final playoff spot in the East Division, 13 points ahead of the River Rats. The contest opened with a hard-fought, gritty period in which both teams combined for 33 penalty minutes; each side registered 10 shots in the frame, but none found the net.

Albany scored the game's first goal at 8:15 of the second period on a Bryan Rodney blast during a quick five-on-three power play; points leaders Michael Ryan and Jakub Petruzalek assisted on the defenseman's second goal in as many games. Albany's lead was short-lived as the Senators tied the game just 34 seconds later in four-on-four action when Josh Hennessy deflected a Tomas Kudelka shot passed River Rats goaltender Justin Peters to tie the game. Albany broke the tie early in the third period on the power play when defenseman Brett Carson sent a perfect pass from the point to a waiting Ryan at the backdoor at 2:35. Eight seconds later Ryan Weston made it 3-1 when the rookie right wing took Dwight Helminen's face win at center ice, skated down the right side and snuck a sharp angle shot beneath Senators goalie Jeff Glass. The official time of the goal was 2:43, which was one second longer than Albany's franchise record for fastest two goals score; Jim Dowd holds the River Rats All-Time mark by scoring two goals seven second apart in a 7-5 win over Portland on February 27, 1994.

Binghamton continued to unravel as they took consecutive penalties to give the River Rats a lengthy five-on-three power play. Ryan was in perfect position again at 5:09 as he scored his 22nd goal of the season on another door-step put-away, this one from Pat Dwyer and Petruzalek. Albany played strong defense for the rest of the game and Peters did the rest as the contest ended 4-1. River Rats goaltender Justin Peters stopped 30-of-31 shots faced to earn his eighth win of the year as Albany improved to 18-21-3-2 on the season. Binghamton goalie Jeff Glass allowed four goals on 30 shots for the loss as the Senators fell to 23-14-3-3. Albany was out-shot by the Senators 31-30 in the game and went 3-for-8 on the power play; the River Rats held Binghamton's top-ranked power play scoreless in eight opportunities. The River Rats will complete a three-game home stand on Saturday, January 24th as they host the Rochester Americans for a 7:00 pm face off at the Times Union Center. After facing the Amerks, the team will then enjoy four days off for the AHL's All-Star Break. River Rats flex ticket packages and individual game tickets are on sale now at the River Rats office and the Times Union Center Box Office. For more information please contact the Albany River Rats at (518) 487-2244 or online at www.albanyriverrats.com.

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