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Ryan's Hat-Trick Gives Albany Their Third Straight Win

January 3, 2009 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany River Rats News Release


ALBANY, NY - Michael Ryan scored all three of Albany's goals, including the game-winner in overtime, as the River Rats downed the Bridgeport Sound Tigers 3-2 and extended their winning streak to three games Saturday night at the Times Union Center.

Albany took an early lead just 5:10 into the first period when Yannick Tifu forced a turnover and fed line-mate Michael Ryan for a one-timer in the slot and a 1-0 River Rats lead. Later in the frame Bridgeport showed off its potent power play unit, but Rats goaltender Daniel Manzato kept a clean sheet through one.

After a scoreless second period, Albany received a five-on-three power play five minutes into the third period. Despite working meticulously to set up the perfect shot, the River Rats could not add to their lead. Throughout the game Albany seemed to be in the right place at the right time defensively when it came to rebounds in front of their goal, but at 11:26 Sound Tigers defenseman Andrew MacDonald finally had a rebound fall onto his stick and he tied the game at 1-1 with a power play goal from the left face off circle. Just inside the two minute warning the River Rats reclaimed the lead when Ryan tipped in a sharp-angle shot from Tifu for his second goal of the game. Albany must have thought they had won the game with the late goal, but with 24.8 seconds left on the clock and the net empty for an extra attacker, Bentivoglio found another loose puck during a wild goal mouth scramble and put it away to force overtime.

The Sound Tigers had a great opportunity to win the game on a three-on-one rush in overtime, but again they could not gain possession of the open rebound. Albany then won the game on a gorgeous play when Bryan Rodney collected a puck from Nick Dodge above the left face off circle and fired a superb pass to Michael Ryan at the back door to complete his hat trick at 3:38 of overtime.

River Rats goaltender Daniel Manzato stopped 34-of-36 shots for the win as Albany improved to 14-17-3-2 on the season. Sound Tigers goalie Nathan Lawson made 30 saves on 32 shots and took the loss as Bridgeport fell to 22-9-2-2. The Sound Tigers out-shot the River Rats 36-33 in the game and went 1-for-6 on the power play; Albany went 0-for-5 with the man advantage.

Albany will return to action next Friday, January 9th as they travel to Massachusetts for a 7:05 pm face off with the Worcester Sharks at DCU Center. The River Rats next home game takes place on Saturday, January 17th at 7:00 pm against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins at the Times Union Center.

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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