Four Rats named 'top rookies'

The Sports Network (TSN) recently ranked the "top 100 rookies" in the NHL for the 2009-10 regular season. Players from Albany placed on the list include Jamie McBain (8), Zach Boychuk (32), Brett Carson (40) and Bryan Rodney (84). Goaltender Justin Peters almost made it, but lacked the ten games required for eligibility. Read more at TSN's website. 

McBain continues to shine

Rookie defenseman Jamie McBain, who was recalled to the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday, continues to impress, earning first-star honors today as he led the Canes to a thrilling overtime victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. 

With just 0.9 seconds remaining in the extra stanza, McBain, in a fashion familiar to fans in Albany, received the puck on the blueline and used his deadly slap-shot to thread it like a needle through traffic. Defensive partner Bryan Rodney, who was called up to Carolina on Friday, notched the secondary assist. 

McBain assisted on a goal in the first period by fellow call-up Zach Boychuk, giving the blooming blueliner two points on the night and a total of four in his first three NHL contests. 

Goaltender Justin Peters stopped 15 of 17 shots and picked up his sixth NHL victory after replacing Manny Legace, who sustained a minor leg injury in the second period.

Watch highlights of the game here. Also check out the Raleigh News & Observer for today's feature story on McBain. UPDATE: Post-game interviews with Jamie McBain and Justin Peters. 

McBain sets up OT winner for Canes

Rookie defenseman Jamie McBain, who was recalled from the Albany River Rats to the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday, last night set up the game-winning overtime goal for the Canes to defeat the first-place Washington Capitals in Raleigh. 

With about one minute remaining in the extra session, McBain forced a turnover in the neutral zone and fed the puck to Eric Staal, who then dished it to Ray Whitney for the finish.

McBain, who picked up his first NHL point Tuesday night against the Bruins, now has two assists in two contests with Carolina. 

McBain averaged nearly twenty minutes of ice-time against Boston and logged more than 25 minutes last night, good for second highest on the team.

McBain was not the only former Rat showcasing his skills.

Former Albany alternate captain Brett Carson picked up his second NHL goal in the third period and goaltender Justin Peters made 25 saves on the night to register his fifth big-league win.

Carson now has two goals, seven assists and a plus-3 rating in 42 games with Carolina this season, while Peters has earned a 2.42 GAA, .919 SV% and a record of 5-2-0-0.

The Hurricanes currently have seven former Rats on the roster and they may need another by tomorrow, as defenseman Alexandre Picard left last night's game with an upper body injury and is listed as day-to-day (updated: now week-to-week).

McBain will likely remain with the Canes up until the closing of the regular season, as D-man Tim Gleason is expected to miss three weeks due to broken foot. 

Peters earns third NHL victory

The hard work and determination of goaltender Justin Peters was destined to pay off at some point. Three NHL games, three wins, a 1.34 GAA and .957 SV%. CongRATS to Petey, the star-of-the-game tonight in Toronto with 32 saves!!! Read the recap at the Raleigh News & Observer.

Peters gets the call; Rats welcome Mior

Goaltender Justin Peters today was recalled by the Carolina Hurricanes, while the Albany River Rats signed netminder Ryan Mior to a professional tryout contract.

Cam Ward of the Canes is suffering from chronic back problems and will be out for at least a few weeks, possibly longer. 

Veteran Mike Morrison will assume starting duties for the Rats. 

Peters will return to Carolina having registered a 1.51 GAA, .950 SV% and two victories in his first two NHL starts earlier this month. Peters should see more playing time on this recall and may compete to become the go-to goalie as Ward remains sidelined. 

In 41 games with Albany this season, Peters has a 2.60 GAA, .915 SV%, one shutout and a record of 26-16-2-1.

Backing up Mike Morrison for the Rats will be youngster Ryan Mior, a 22-year-old second-year pro who has been spending the season with the Dayton Gems of the International Hockey League. 

In 26 games this year with the Gems, Mior has a .899 SV%, 3.23 GAA, one shutout and a record of 11-11-2-1.  

Mior played with the Rochester Americans earlier this season on a tryout contract and put up decent numbers during his first seven AHL appearances, earning a 3.03 GAA, .907 SV% and a record of 3-4-0-0. 

Mior's most impressive performance came on December 26 when the netminder overcame a shot differential of 47 to 23 to lead Rochester to a 4-2 victory over the Hamilton Bulldogs.

Mior, a native of St. John's, Newfoundland, spent his junior years in the QMJHL with the Prince Edward Island Rocket and Gatineau Olympiques before kicking off his professional career last season in the Central Hockey League with the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs.

Mior finished 2008-09 with the Port Huron IceHawks of the IHL, putting up a 1.94 GAA, .925 SV%, four shutouts and a record of 11-3-2-3. 

Catch video on YouTube of an interview with Mior taped in December in Rochester.

Return of the roster shuffle

With goaltender Cam Ward of the Carolina Hurricanes still sidelined with back issues, Rats' netminder Justin Peters will be returning to Raleigh by week's end. Pete Dougherty at the Albany Times Union has the story.

Injured Canes' forwards Erik Cole, Scott Walker and Chad LaRose are all expected be on the ice when the NHL starts back up next week. Barring any trades, Carolina will have one extra forward, including Albany captain Pat Dwyer. Forwards Zach Boychuk and Steven Goertzen were reassigned prior to the Olympic break.

Recently acquired defenseman Alexandre Picard joined the Hurricanes at practice yesterday, giving the parent club seven defenseman, including Rats' alternate captain Brett Carson.

Peters, Boychuk and Goertzen returned

With the NHL entering a two-week break for the Olympics, the Carolina Hurricanes today reassigned goaltender Justin Peters and forwards Zach Boychuk and Steven Goertzen to the Albany River Rats. 

Peters is coming off the first two NHL starts of his career after being recalled on February 5th. He earned two wins, a 1.51 GAA, .950 SV%, and a fair share of praise from his coaches, teammates, fans and the local press. 

In 34 games with the River Rats this season, Peters has a record of 18-13-2, with one shutout, a 2.55 GAA and .916 SV%.

The return of Peters gives the Rats three goaltenders and will likely result in the reassignment of veteran Mike Morrison to the ECHL.

Zach Boychuk, who was recalled on Friday night, picked up his first NHL goal on Saturday against the legendary Martin Brodeur and the New Jersey Devils. Boychuk now has a goal and three assists in 12 games with the Hurricanes this season. 

Boychuk ranks among the AHL's top rookies and is one of the Rats' leading scorers with 27 points (21 G, 22 A) in 43 games.

Gritty checking forward Steven Goertzen returns to Albany after spending six games with the Canes. He was recalled on February 2 and dropped the gloves Tuesday night with Bryan Allen of the Florida Panthers.

The reassignment of Boychuk and Goertzen gives the Rats 13 healthy forwards as the team prepares for Monday's important divisional match-up against the Norfolk Admirals. 

The Rats may reassign a skater to the Florida Everblades by tomorrow.

Boychuk scores, Peters wins again

Netminder Justin Peters and rookie forward Zach Boychuk last night helped lead the Carolina Hurricanes to a 5-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils. Pete Dougherty at the Albany Times Union has the details. 

Peters post-game interview

(Stick tap to "Hockeymomof2" for sending the link.)

Peters named first star in NHL debut

• Peters wins NHL debut over Islanders, Albany Times Union
  
• Peters stars in NHL debut, Raleigh News & Observer
  
• Justin Peters impresses in NHL debut, Bleacher Report
  
• Justin Peters makes 34 saves in NHL debut, Associated Press
  
• Peters shines in debut, Canes Country
  
• Ward's injury ominous for Canes, Raleigh News & Observer
  
• Official scoresheet, NHL.com

Peters to make NHL debut

Goaltender Justin Peters will make his NHL debut tonight with the Carolina Hurricanes as they face off against the New York Islanders at the Nassau Coliseum at 7 pm.

News & Notes UPDATED

• Goaltender Justin Peters today was recalled by the Carolina Hurricanes. Canes' starter Cam Ward is experiencing an upper-body muscle problem, possibly related to a chronic back issue. Coach Paul Maurice say Peters could make his NHL debut tomorrow night against the New York Islanders. Netminder Mike Morrison, who was reassigned to the ECHL yesterday, will likely be returned to the River Rats. Mike Murphy has recovered from a hip injury and should be able to start for Albany tonight against the Senators in Binghamton. The Rats signed goalie Tyler Sims temporarily to play back-up.

• Rookie forward Zach Boychuk was also recalled to the Hurricanes today. Carolina forwards Chad LaRose and Tuomo Ruutu recently joined Erik Cole and Scott Walker on the team's injured list. Boychuk will likely skate tonight on a line with Brandon Sutter and Pat Dwyer as the Canes take on the Sabres in Buffalo. 

• Forward Jiri Tlusty yesterday was reassigned to the River Rats. Tlusty has a goal and five assists in 18 games with the Hurricanes this year. The former first-round draft pick was acquired in December in a trade with Toronto and appeared in four games with Albany earlier this season. Read more in the Troy Record. 

• Gritty winger Steven Goertzen made his debut with the Hurricanes Wednesday night in Calgary. He saw just over six minutes of ice-time and registered an even plus/minus rating as the Canes fell 4-1 to the Flames. Goertzen will play again tonight in Buffalo alongside Stephane Yelle and Rod Brind'Amour. 

• Rumors are swirling that Hurricanes' veteran blueliner Niclas Wallin will soon be traded to the San Jose Sharks for a second-round draft pick. That means defenseman Brett Carson has likely earned a full-time NHL spot. D-man Joe Corvo, who was cut with a skate blade in late November, recently returned to the line-up, giving the Hurricanes an extra defenseman. Wallin was a healthy scratch Wednesday night. UPDATE: The trade is off. Wallin decided not to waive his no-trade clause.

• Rookie defenseman Jamie McBain has been getting his fair share of press coverage lately. Check out this article in the Albany Times Union and these two features at the Schenectady Daily Gazette. 

• The fourth annual Ronald McDonald House jersey auction will be held tomorrow night at the Times Union Center after the Rats face the Springfield Falcons at 5 pm. Read more at the Rats' website. Also check out pictures of players visiting the Ronald McDonald House and other locations around the Capital District.

• Forward Milan Gajic of the Florida Everblades has put up six goals and 11 points in his first six games since returning from a long-term lower-body injury. Gajic skated with Albany during the preseason and his services may soon be needed once again.
  

Peters returns

As promised by Carolina Hurricanes' coach Paul Maurice, goaltender Justin Peters today was reassigned to Albany, allowing him to rejoin the Rats and travel to Bridgeport for Tuesday's contest against the Sound Tigers. 

Peters backed up Canes' starter Cam Ward for one game on Sunday while netminder Manny Legace sat out with pink eye. 

Peters called up

The Carolina Hurricanes today recalled goaltender Justin Peters from the Albany River Rats. 

Canes' back-up netminder Manny Legace is suffering from pink eye. Legace was pulled yesterday after experiencing vision problems and significant swelling.

Peters returns to Carolina for the third time, but has yet to make his NHL debut. He will back up Cam Ward this afternoon as Carolina takes on the Boston Bruins. 

Peters ranks among the top goalies in the AHL with a 2.38 GAA and .922 SV% in 30 contests with Albany this season. 

The recall of Peters leaves the River Rats with just one healthy goaltender, veteran Mike Morrison, who has spent most of this season with the Florida Everblades of the ECHL.

Netminder Mike Murphy remains sidelined with a hip injury. 

The Rats' next game is scheduled for Tuesday in Bridgeport, while the Hurricanes play Wednesday against the Rangers in New York.

The Rats will need to sign a new goalie should Peters and Murphy remain unavailable. 

UPDATE: Canes' coach Paul Maurice tells the Raleigh News & Observer that Peters will be reassigned to Albany in time for the Rats' next game on Tuesday night in Bridgeport. 

News & Notes

• The Carolina Hurricanes next season will move their AHL affiliate to Charlotte, North Carolina. Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer says "it's a go." The River Rats will need to find a new parent club to continue operations in 2010-2011. 

• Defenseman Casey Borer has been cleared for game action and may return as early as tomorrow night. Pete Dougherty at the Albany Times Union has the news.

• Coach Jeff Daniels, defenseman Bryan Rodney and goaltender Justin Peters chat with Bill Cain at the Schenectady Daily Gazette about preparing for the second half of the season. 

• Permanent NHL spots could soon be available for Pat Dwyer, Jiri Tlusty and Brett Carson. Paul Branecky at Tracking the Storm says trades are in the works. 
  

Peters, Rodney set to represent Rats

Justin Peters and Bryan Rodney are off to Portland for the AHL All-Star Classic. Albany's two representatives talk with Chris Fitz Gerald at the Troy Record. 

Watch the skills competition on Time Warner 3 tonight at 8 pm and the All-Star game on the same channel tomorrow night at 6 pm.

News & Notes

• The River Rats have a busy schedule ahead of them, Justin Peters and Bryan Rodney in particular. After the Rats finish playing three games in three nights this weekend, Peters and Rodney will head off to the AHL All-Star Classic in Portland, scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. Albany's two All-Star representatives talk with Pete Dougherty at the Albany Times Union.  

• Jacob Micflikier may be only 5-foot-8, but the solid winger packs a punch from both ends of the ice. Micflikier is featured today in the Troy Record. 

• Chris Fitz Gerlad at the Troy Record grades the River Rats' performance midway through the season.
  

• Coach Jeff Daniels talks with Bill Cain at the Schenectady Daily Gazette about coping with a thinning roster. 
  

Peters named All-Star

Goaltender Justin Peters will join the Canadian All-Stars at the AHL Classic on January 19 in Portland. Bill Cain at the Schenectady Daily Gazette has the story. 

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.
  

Peters' play quite the present

Goaltender Justin Peters is stealing headlines at the NHL's website.