Senators Edge River Rats In Shootout

March 14, 2008 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany River Rats News Release


BINGHAMTON, NY - Brian Elliot and Michael Leighton put on a goaltenders clinic as the Binghamton Senators narrowly beat the Albany River Rats Friday night at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena.

Both teams came out flying in the first period, picking up immediately on their season-long rivalry. Michael Leighton made two point blank saves early to keep Binghamton off the board, but the River Rats missed their best chance to score when a Pat Dwyer shot beat goaltender Brian Elliot, but rang off the cross bar.

It was more of the same in the second period and third periods as both goaltenders continued to baffle the shooters. Albany had 15 shots on goal in the second period and eight in the third, while Binghamton managed 12 in the second and five in the third, yet Leighton and Elliot were impervious to offensive efforts.

After a scoreless five-minute overtime session the game went to a shootout and for the second time this year, the B-Sens discover a way to beat Leighton. Niko Dimitrakos scored in the first round for the Senators and Alexander Nikulin scored in the third round and Brian Elliot denied the first four Albany shooters to give Binghamton a 1-0 shootout win.

Brian Elliot stopped all 36 shots he faced in 65 minutes of action to record his 2nd career professional shutout, and then went 4-for-4 in the shootout as Binghamton improved to 30-27-6-4 on the season. Michael Leighton made 29 saves in regulation and overtime to earn his AHL-leading sixth shutout of the year, adding to his River Rats single-season franchise mark, as Albany's record dropped to 37-25-2-4. The River Rats were 0-for-4 on the power play, while Binghamton was 0-for-2 in the game.

Albany now heads home for a massive East Division match up against former River Rat Dave Gove and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Saturday night at the Times Union Center. With Batman coming to the River Rats game, the 7:00 pm face off should be filled to the brim with intensity.



American Hockey League Stories from March 14, 2008


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