Rochester Slips Past Albany 2-1 In Overtime

Published on February 20, 2008 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany River Rats News Release


ROCHESTER, NY - The Albany River Rats out-shot the Rochester Americans 40-23, but fell short 2-1 in overtime on Wednesday night at Blue Cross Arena.

The River Rats struck early, taking full advantage of a Rochester penalty taken within the first minute of play. Rookie Jerome Samson collected a rebound in the low slot, spun around and snapped a wrist shot through the pads of goaltender Adam Dennis at 2:14. The goal, assisted by Daniel Sparre and Jakub Petruzalek, was Samson's team-leading 11th power play goal, along with his 19th goal of the season, which puts him in second place amongst all AHL rookies in goals. Albany had several chances to add to their lead, out-shooting Rochester 15-5 in the opening period, but the play of Dennis in goal kept the game close.

The lopsided shot totals continued in the second period, as the River Rats out-shot the Amerks 19-5, but it was Rochester who made their shots count. Marc-Andre Gragnani scored on a one-timer from the right side of the net, cashing in on a beautiful pass from Andrej Sekera. The goal, assisted by Sekera and Martin Lojek, came at 8:27 and was technically a shorthanded goal, although it was at the very end of an extended four-on-four situation. Through two periods the River Rats were out-shooting the Americans 34-10, but the game was tied 1-1.

Rochester was a much different team in the third period, playing with a newfound energy and intensity and the scoring chances showed the change as the Amerks out-shot Albany 11-6 over the final 20 minutes. Goaltender Michael Leighton robbed Mark Mancari on a breakaway midway through the third period which could have kept Albany from getting any points in the contest. The River Rats even had a power play in the last two minutes of regulation, but could not find a way past goalie Adam Dennis.

In overtime the rejuvenated Amerks continued their attack and they got the game-winner just 90 seconds into the period. Defenseman Franklin MacDonald skated down the left wing and fired a low shot on Leighton, who made an easy save, but gave up a rebound right in the slot. With the River Rats defenseman slow to react, Anthony Stewart jumped on the loose puck and buried his shot into the open net, beating a stranded Leighton at 1:30 of overtime to give Rochester the 2-1 victory.

Adam Dennis turned in an outstanding effort, stopping 39-of-40 shots to earn first star honors and his 14th win of the season, helping Rochester improve to 17-33-4-4 on the season. Michael Leighton was solid in goal for Albany, making 20 saves on 22 shots, but the River Rats fell to 28-24-1-3 on the season, dropping their first overtime game of the year. Albany finished the game 1-for-7 on the power play, but held Rochester to 0-for-5.

Albany will return home on Friday, February 22nd as they will host the Bridgeport Sound Tigers for a crucial East Division match up set for 7:00 pm at the Times Union Center. Saturday the River Rats host their old affiliate the Lowell Devils at 7:00 pm.

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 February 20, 2008


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