Terry's one flaw is a bad playoff beard

Rookie forward Chris Terry is the centerpiece of a story published today at NHL.com.

News & Notes

• Jerome Samson tallied an assist during his NHL debut last night with the Carolina Hurricanes in Nashville. In familiar fashion, Samson, on his very first shift, controlled the play behind the net, wrapped the puck around, and threw it on goal for captain Rod Brind'Amour, who slammed home the rebound. Samson registered 7:10 of ice-time and had a team-high four shots on goal. He was also assessed a hooking penalty in the first period, but it was nullified 11 seconds later by a Nashville infraction. Carolina ended up dropping the lead and losing 4-2. Steve Sullivan, who started his career with Albany in 1994, netted the game-winner. Watch the highlights here. The Canes play again tonight at home against the Colorado Avalanche. Samson is the centerpiece of an article at the Raleigh News & Observer. 

• Rookie forward Chris Terry is the subject of an article in today's Troy Record. 

• Forward Marc Cavosie is featured in today's Albany Times Union. The Schenectady Daily Gazette has a bit more.

• Pete Dougherty at the Albany Times Union has the latest on the Rats' fluctuating roster. 

• We are told goaltender Justin Peters will be donning a new "Pete-Dawg"-themed mask later this month. He is still deciding on a final design. 

• Defenseman Aaron Ward of the Carolina Hurricanes is no longer eligible for reassignment. Ward skated last night in his tenth game since clearing waivers in December.
  

News & Notes

• Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union chats with Tim Conboy, Bryan Rodney and coach Jeff Daniels about the Rats' well-fortified defensive corps. 

• The Rats talk to Chris Fitz Gerald at the Troy Record about their goals for the coming week, including their hopes of improving scoring chances, particularly on the power play. 

• "Coach preaches consistency," says rookie forward Chris Terry to the Schenectady Daily Gazette, "and I think if we become more consistent with our plays and the strategies the coaches draw up for us, I think we'll be more successful."
  

• Defenseman Bryan Rodney will play tonight for the first time since being returned from Carolina. Rodney was reassigned to Albany on Friday, but sat out the weekend with the flu.

• Rob Hennigar is in town and will make his first appearance as a River Rat tonight against Syracuse. He should be wearing #19. Meanwhile, Harrison Reed, who was sent to the ECHL in exchange for Hennigar yesterday, is expected to play for the Florida Everblades this evening in Wheeling, West Virginia.  

• Forward Tuomo Ruutu of the Carolina Hurricanes left Monday night's game in Dallas with a lower-body injury. He is questionable for tonight's contest against Anaheim. Eric Staal, who missed the Canes' last 10 games with an upper-body injury, is expected to play tonight. Goaltender Michael Leighton, who was curbed with a groin injury on November 17, is recovering well and traveled with team on the road trip.
  

Rats sink Pirates 5-2

Brandon Sutter camps in front of goaltender Jhonas Enroth

(Photo by 'akoszuta')

Prospects Zach Boychuk, Brandon Sutter, Chris Terry and Drayson Bowman put on a show last night for the Albany faithful, helping the River Rats sail past the Portland Pirates by a score of 5 to 2. 

The Rats' young offensive talent skated circles around the Pirates' defenders with a tremendous display of speed, passing and playmaking. 

The Rats came out firing on all cylinders from the get-go, dominating the first period in shots 16 to 5.

Zach Boychuk did an excellent job of quarterbacking an early power play. Boychuk hustled to keep things alive in the offensive zone, and for the second time in two games he found Brett Carson open at the point. Carson, who continues to develop his offensive game, put the puck home with a little help from Brandon Sutter in front. 

Sutter had a great game, tallying a goal and an assist. He is very smart when it comes to positioning, both offensively and defensively. 

Sutter also has the brains to keep up with Boychuk, who scored his first professional goal on a nice give-and-go with Sutter in the third period. 

Boychuk picked up three points on the night with a goal and two assists.

Boychuk commented after the game that the team is developing genuine chemistry, a fact that was evident from the stands. 

Drayson Bowman and Chris Terry are proving to be a dynamic combo in their own right. They both know how to think on their feet and move the puck in heavy traffic. They were dishing and dealing throughout the game and teamed up for a power play goal in the second period. 

Terry scored again in the third, finishing the night with a goal and an assist. 

Bowman and Terry each have two goals in two games. 

Jerome Samson maintained his reputation for pouncing on loose pucks. After Zach Boychuk was stopped on a breakaway in the second period, Samson beat the defenders to the rebound and rattled it home. He is looking better than ever.

Pat Dwyer, on the ice and on the bench, is proving why he was named captain. Dwyer's ability to move the puck down low is invaluable. He assisted Chris Terry's second goal in the third period.

Justin Peters was fantastic in net. He kept the Rats comfortably ahead in the second and third periods with several high-concentration saves. He stopped 24 of 26 shots. 

Peters was also the subject of an amusing video segment that was played on the Jumbotron during a media timeout. In the clip, Peters is identified by several of his teammates as the Rats' "toughest" player. Skaters on the bench couldn't help from sneaking a peek at the screen as highlights were shown of Peters fighting during last year's season-ending brawl. The fans enjoyed the moment.

The worst news from the night is that Brett Carson left the game in the third period after taking a hard hit in the defensive zone. He remained on the bench for a moment, but eventually returned to the locker room. He was holding ice on his wrist. His status is unknown, but we should know more tonight. 

Benn Olson and Matthew Pistilli were healthy scratches. Olson will be in the line-up tonight if Carson is unable to play. 

The Rats take on the Rochester Americans at 7 p.m. at the Times Union Center. 

More post-game coverage:

• Power play clicks for River Rats, Troy Record
  
• Rats power past Portland, 5-2, WNYT-13
  
• Rats notes 'n quotes: Carson's status questionable, Albany Times Union
• Boychuk is making most of his chance, Albany Times Union
  
• River Rats bury Pirates, 5-2, Schenectady Daily Gazette

Rats fall in sloppy opener

Pat Dwyer, David Kolomatis

(Photo by J.S. Carras, Troy Record)

Hockey season has officially started. 

Last night a crowd of 6,507 gathered at the Times Union Center for game #1 of the Albany River Rats 2009-10 season. 

The River Rats showed spirit, but defensive breakdowns quashed any chance of victory against the opportunistic Manchester Monarchs. Albany was defeated 6-3. 

The Rats controlled most of the second and third periods, outshooting the Monarchs 38 to 31, but Manchester netminder Jonathan Bernier was sharp and Albany failed to convert on several key chances. 

In the end, it was poor defensive coverage that cost the Rats the game. 

Throughout the night the Monarchs created opportunities on Albany's mistakes. 

The River Rats gambled in the offensive zone, giving up far too many odd-man rushes. 

Manchester was allowed space coming over the blue line, which gave their speedy forwards the jump on the Rats' defenders. 

The Monarchs were also allowed to move the puck down low and across the crease on more than one occasion. 

Suffice it to say, the Rats have some work to do at practice this week. 

Still, the night wasn't all bad. 

The Rats left open some defensive holes, but they dominated large portions of the game with an impressive forecheck. In the future, if the Rats can close the defensive gap and maintain the same offensive pressure, they should be a very powerful team.

The most thrilling moment of the night came at the end of the second. The Rats, having trailed 3-1 since the first, controlled the period but had nothing to show for it. They were finally rewarded with just 0.4 seconds on the clock. Pointman Brett Carson took a pass from Zach Boychuk and roofed it blocker-side. The building was filled with hope.

Bryan Rodney, Brett Carson, Zach Boychuk

(Photo by Jennifer Bock)

The Rats tied the game early in the third, but any chance of finishing on top was erased by three consecutive Manchester goals. 

Scoring for the Rats in addition to Carson were rookies Drayson Bowman and Chris Terry (see videos here and here). It was the first professional goal for both. Bowman played exceptionally well and earned second star honors.

First-year forward Zach Boychuk again displayed unbelievable offensive determination. He helped generate numerous opportunities. He is always dangerous and pursues the puck like a bloodhound.

Zack Fitzgerald deserves accolades for having the courage to go toe-to-toe with Manchester heavyweight Kevin Westgarth. Fitzgerald gave up several inches in height and roughly 40 pounds in weight, yet still held his own (barely). At the time, the Rats were playing sluggish and had just gone down two goals. The fight put the bench back on its feet. The effort was appreciated by Fitzgerald's teammates and by the fans. That's what counts. 

Justin Peters stopped 25 of 31 shots. He allowed six goals, but none were particularly soft. 

Alternate captain Mike Angelidis was injured in the second period after going hard into the boards. He left the ice favoring his shoulder and did not return. 

Harrison Reed, Matthew Pistilli and Benn Olson were scratched. 

The River Rats play again next Friday at home against the Portland Pirates.

Hurricanes' Propsects Are Tournament Champs!

"It was a good win. It was a good week. You come out here and come together as a team for five days, you might as well go out and win the thing. We had a good group of guys who played hard for four games. It feels good. We've got a lot of talent in that room, a good group of guys and I think we just had fun with it. ... Worked hard and enjoyed it."
--Captain Nick Dodge
(Photo from Hockey's Future)

The Carolina Hurricanes' prospects have won the tournament in Traverse City! With only five defenseman and 11 forwards, the Canes defeated the Minnesota Wild tonight in the championship game.

Carolina was led to a 4-1 victory on goals by Chris Terry, Zach Boychuk, Brandon Sutter, and Stefan Chaput, all of whom are set to play in Albany next season!

The first two tallies were traded early in the first period. The Hurricanes scored 6:16 into the game, as Chris Terry notched his second of the tournament, assisted by Matthew Pistilli and Beau Schmitz. Matt Kennedy was penalized for slashing less than a minute later and the Wild capitalized on the power play, knotting the game at 1-1.

The score remained tied through the end of the first period, with the Wild ahead on shots 11 to 5.

The Canes continued to struggle in the shot department in the second period, but Zach Boychuk took control of game, scoring his fourth goal in four contests, and putting Carolina up 2-1 at the 7:10 mark.

The goal apparently inspired the team, as the Hurricanes began to catch up on shots.

Brett Bellemore was sent to the box for tripping with under two minutes remaining, but Brandon Sutter put home a shorthanded goal, giving Carolina a 3-1 lead heading into the third period.

Three minutes into the third, Chris Terry was assessed a charging penalty, while Matthew Pistilli and the Wild's Marco Scandella received coincidental roughing minors.

The Canes killed off the power play, which lasted for a minute and 16 seconds before being interrupted by another roughing call on Minnesota.

As time clicked away, the teams traded power plays one more time, but neither scored.

Stefan Chaput sealed the deal with an empty netter, putting Carolina up 4-1 with just over a minute remaining. He was assisted by Drayson Bowman.

Mike Murphy registered his third win of the tournament, stopping 31 of 32 shots.

Justin McCrae and Michal Jordan sat out with injuries.

Expect more coverage over the next 24 hours.

Update: Brandon Sutter is happy with the outcome of the tournament. Hockey's Future has a short recap.

Prospects Topple Red Wings, Occupy First Place

Mike Murphy has been described as the "talk of the tournament" for his outstanding play in net
(Photo from NHL.com)

The Carolina prospects defeated the young Red Wings tonight at the tournament in Traverse City, taking over first place in the "Eastern Conference." The 5-3 comeback win came in exciting fashion.

The first period was scoreless (thanks to Mike Murphy) with no penalties, but things exploded in the second.

Detroit took a 1-0 lead 4:40 into the period. Shortly after, Jamie McBain was penalized for his second hooking penalty of the tournament, allowing the Wings to go up by two on the power play.

Although the Red Wings dominated in the shot column 25 to 9 at the halfway point, Carolina refused to quit. Matthew Pistilli linked up with Brandon Sutter to bring the Canes within one at the 10:56 mark of the second period.

Minutes later, with a power play opportunity of their own, the Hurricanes tied the game on a goal by Matt Kennedy, his second of the tournament, assisted by Stefan Chaput and Beau Schmitz.

Detroit scored a demoralizing goal with one second remaining in the period, reestablishing the lead going into the third. But again, the Canes bounced back. About a minute and a half into the third period Harrison Reed knotted the game at 3-3 on a tally assisted by Stefan Chaput.

Moments later, a roughing penalty by the Red Wings brought out the Carolina power play unit for the second time. The Canes quickly capitalized, as Zach Boychuk, assisted by Drayson Bowman and Jamie McBain, seized the lead at 4-3.

At the eight minute mark, Jamie McBain was sent back to the box on an interference call, but the penalty kill came through.

Carolina stayed strong through the third period and Chris Terry sealed the deal with an unassisted goal with 1:22 left.

Goaltender Mike Murphy registered his second win of the tournament, stopping 33 of 36 shots.

The win places Carolina in first place in the "Eastern Conference," which consists of the New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings and Atlanta Thrashers.

The team has one conference game remaining against Atlanta on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. A win would guarantee the Canes a spot in the championship game.

Updates: The Hurricanes' website has a rundown of the game. Hockey's Future also has a recap, as well as some high praise for netminder Mike Murphy, described as "the best player of the tournament." Brandon Sutter adds his two cents.

Matthew Pistilli Destined For Albany

Matthew Pistilli
(Photo www.sbuisson.com)

The Carolina Hurricanes have signed undrafted forward Matthew Pistilli of the QMJHL to a three-year entry-level deal, a move that will likely place the 6-foot-2 Montreal-native in a River Rats' uniform during 2009-10 season.

During his career in juniors, Pistilli racked up 319 points (147 G, 172 A) in 322 games, not too bad for a player snubbed in the draft. During the 2008-09 season, Pistilli was the league's eighth highest scorer with 86 points (45 G, 41 A).

In addition to his scoring ability, Pistilli brings character. He was named the 2008-09 Canadian Major Junior Humanitarian Player of the Year, beating out fellow Carolina prospect Chris Terry, who was also nominated for the award.

When looking for players, the Canes apparently care about personality just as much as skill, an excellent quality for any hockey club.

According to the Canadian Hockey League's website, "Pistilli was a major contributor to the Shawinigan community this season and distinguished himself by visiting underprivileged children and donating his personal tickets to every home game and ensuring that the children received VIP recognition as his guest. Throughout the year he participated in local school activities, fundraising initiatives, and minor hockey initiatives."

Some may think undrafted players like Pistilli are long shots, but don't forget the Canes picked up an undrafted forward by the name of Chad LaRose in 2003. LaRose earned a spot on the Canes and signed a two-year, $3.4 million contract just a few days ago.

Matthew Pistilli will likely play his first professional game this October for Albany. He'll deliver offensive depth and true character to the Rats' bench. Will he develop into a Chad LaRose? Only time will tell.

Albany Welcomes Signing of Chris Terry

Carolina prospect Chris Terry is likely to be wearing a River Rats' sweater in 2009-10
(Photo from PlymouthWhalers.com)

It's official, Ontario Hockey League all-star Chris Terry is on his way to Albany. Terry, the Carolina Hurricanes' fifth round pick from the 2007 draft, just signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Canes, meaning he will likely start his professional career with the River Rats this October.

In his final year in juniors, Terry tallied 39 regular season goals and 55 assists for a total of 94 points, good for second highest in the league. He landed another 16 points (7 G, 9 A) in 11 games during the playoffs. For a fifth round pick, that is absolute gold.

As a recent Hurricanes' press release proudly pointed out, "The Brampton, Ont., native totaled 114 goals and 175 assists (289 points) in 253 regular-season contests in his four seasons with the Whalers. Terry (5'10", 190 lbs.) competed in two OHL All-Star Classics, was named the Kal Tire OHL Player of the Month two times and helped lead the Whalers to the OHL championship in 2007."

Chris Terry's gifted scoring touch was overshadowed only by his character and leadership. "He was awarded the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy as the OHL's Humanitarian of the Year for his devotion to the Whalers' Community Relations efforts, and he was the inaugural recipient of the Mickey Renaud Captain's Trophy, given by the OHL to the captain that best exemplifies leadership on and off the ice."

If Albany is fortunate enough to have Terry for a full season or more, which is certainly a possibility, he has a good chance of wearing an "A" or a "C" just like his days in juniors. But as with all young forwards, it remains to be seen if his offensive ability will translate to the pros.

Regardless, Terry looks like a true worker who can play just about any role he is assigned, from goal scorer to checking forward. The website Hockey's Future, which keeps track of prospects and developing players, aptly notes that his "future as a pro is probably more tied to being an all-around player who can contribute at both ends of the ice rather than an elite goal scorer." We'll see.

Above all else, Terry, as young as he is, is sure to bring quality leadership to the River Rats' line-up...and if he gets involved in the local community like he did in Plymouth, the Rats' marketing staff will no doubt be kissing his Canadian feet.

Terry is a true all-around character player and, as made evident by the clip below, a genuinely good human being. Plymouth will surely miss him, but Albany will welcome him with open arms.