Rats take shootout win over Wolf Pack, 2-1

Post-game coverage:

• Rats earn seventh straight with shootout win in Hartford, AlbanyRiverRats.com
  
• Rats, in shootout, defeat Wolf Pack, Albany Times Union
  
• River Rats earn win in shootout, Schenectady Daily Gazette
  
• Wolf Pack lose shootout to Albany, HartfordWolfPack.com
  
• Official scoresheet, TheAHL.com

Dwyer, Tlusty reassigned

Captain Pat Dwyer and newly acquired forward Jiri Tlusty are back with the Rats. Tracking the Storm has the news. 

Rats beat Bruins, 3-1

Post-game coverage:

• Rats edge P-Bruins 3-1, AlbanyRiverRats.com
• Goalie feels pressure, steps up, Albany Times Union
• Rats notes 'n quotes: Leighton won't play this weekend, Albany Times Union
  
• Red-hot Rats win again, Troy Record
  
• Boychuk helps River Rats on a tear, 3-1, Schenectady Daily Gazette
• Official scoresheet, TheAHL.com

Leighton returns

The Carolina Hurricanes today reassigned former Rats' netminder Michael Leighton to his old stomping grounds here in Albany.  

Leighton rejoins the River Rats after spending one and one-third seasons as a back-up for Cam Ward in Carolina. 

In 2007-08, Leighton led an underperforming Albany squad to the playoffs, earned first-team all-star honors, and was named AHL goalie of the year. He led the league with a 2.10 goals-against average and was tied for second with a save percentage of .931. 

Leighton played 19 games with the Hurricanes last season, registering a 2.92 GAA and .901 SV%. 

This season Leighton was given only one start before Cam Ward was injured with a severe laceration. Manny Legace was signed immediately after the injury and was picked to start the Canes' next two games. 

Leighton was handed the two starts after, but pulled his groin midway through the second game. Upon his recovery, Leighton started two more contests and was then placed on waivers.

Leighton appeared in a total of seven contests with the Canes this season, recording a 4.29 GAA and .850 SV%. 

The River Rats, now with three goaltenders, may reassign Mike Murphy to the Florida Everblades of the ECHL, where the rookie netminder would likely be given starting duties.

UPDATE: Leighton will be placed on re-entry waivers today (12/13). 

Rats shut out Hershey, 3-0

Post-game coverage:

• River Rats shut out Hershey, AlbanyRiverRats.com
  
• Rats, Peters get shutout, Albany Times Union
  
• Rats notes 'n quotes: Tlusty scores in 'Canes debut, Albany Times Union
  
• A shutout for Peters, Troy Record
  
• Peters, River Rats shut down Bears, Schenectady Daily Gazette
  
• Official scoresheet, TheAHL.com
  

Dwyer, Tlusty recalled

The Carolina Hurricanes today recalled Rats' captain Pat Dwyer and newly acquired forward Jiri Tlusty, while Albany called up center Harrison Reed and winger Matthew Pistilli. 

Canes' forwards Chad LaRose and Erik Cole were both placed on injured reserve today. LaRose is expected to miss three to four weeks with a lower-body injury and Cole will be out for two to three weeks with an upper-body condition.

Dwyer, who is tied for the lead in goals scored for Albany, will join the Canes for his second NHL stint of the season. Dwyer played six games with Carolina in late November, averaging 10:53 of ice-time and filling in on the penalty killing unit. 

In 22 games with Albany this season, Dwyer, arguably the AHL club's most valuable player, has 11 goals, 12 assists and a plus-1 rating.

Jiri Tlusty, who was acquired by the Canes in a trade on December 3, heads to Carolina after just one game of action with the River Rats. 

Tlusty was mostly a non-factor in his first contest with the organization. He demonstrated exceptional skating ability, but was still adjusting to the new team and system. 

Tlusty heads into Carolina with 74 games of NHL experience under his belt. He holds ten goals and ten assists during his time in the big league. 

Harrison Reed reunites with the Rats after a rock-solid eight-game stretch in the ECHL. Reed, who was reassigned to the Florida Everblades on November 24, earned eight goals, five assists and was named ECHL player of the week for November 23-29. 

Prior to joining the Blades, Reed skated in 19 games with Albany, registering two assists and a plus-1 rating. 

Rookie forward Matthew Pistilli, who was reassigned to Florida on December 3, was held scoreless in three games with the Everblades. 

In 21 games with the Rats this season, Pistilli has three goals, two assists and a plus-2 rating.

Chaput continues break out

Stefan Chaput

(Photo by Jennifer Bock)

Chris Fitz Gerald at the Troy Record chats with center Stafan Chaput, who is continuing the break out season he never had a chance to finish last year. 

Tlusty faced hurdles en route to Albany

Pete Dougherty at the Albany Times Union talks with forward Jiri Tlusty about his journey to the Capital District. 

Rats taking nothing for granted

The River Rats may have four consecutive wins under their belt, but the team is taking nothing for granted. Coach Jeff Daniels, captain Pat Dwyer and goaltender Justin Peters talk with Bill Cain at the Schenectady Daily Gazette.

Catching up with coach Daniels

Cory Lavalette at Canes Country catches up with Rats' coach Jeff Daniels. 

Ryan, Bowman on the way

Pete Dougherty at the Albany Times Union has the latest on injured forwards Michael Ryan and Drayson Bowman. 

Rats weekly

The weekly rundown is up at the Rats' website.