:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/imported_assets/435202/pensrats01_04-19-2010_64dlg2n.jpg)
The Albany River Rats are on the brink of franchise history. With 3 games in hand after winning in Wilkes-Barre yesterday afternoon, they face off again as the visitors against the [Baby] Penguins at 7:05 tonight. The Rats haven't won a playoff series since 1998 (think about that), and the Pens have an enviable record of playoff success. With so much on the line, we should expect this game to be a battle.
You can watch the video stream online here for $9.99. Or stream it from the radio here for free.
After the jump, a few more links on the River Rats, plus the game schedule for the NHL playoff games as well.
Rats' Links
A few re-caps of Sunday's game and previews for tonight's.
On The Fly: Rats edge Penguins again, take command with 3-0 lead in series
Rats notes ‘n quotes: A lineup change ahead? - timesunion.com - Albany NY (I read this headline and am now wondering if all this time its been Ronnie Francis, not Mo, with the "creative" line changes!) Lots of super quotes from both the players and coaches in this one.
Rats avert potential catastrophe at morning skate - timesunion.com - Albany NY (Saner minds prevail: Jeff Daniels said he will stay with the same lineup that has produced one-goal victories in each of the first three games.)
Rats 2, Pens 1: Notes - Closing out by Rat Tales (comments from Zach Boychuk and Jerome Samson)
Video rinkside at practice with Tim Conboy and Zac Dalpe: Schenectady, NY Daily Gazette This was done after the first game, last Friday in Albany, but it was our first chance to see Zac Dalpe interviewed since turning pro. Check it out.
From the Pens' press:
Penguins pushed to brink | The Times Leader, Wilkes-Barre, PA
Penguins not giving up without a fight - Citizens Voice
Last, here is video of the highlights of Sunday's 2-1 Rats' victory.
Elsewhere,
This developing story about a former Hurricanes' Captain turned up yesterday. Blue Jackets: Dineen's approach draws high marks | BlueJacketsXtra Aaron Portzline reports for the Columbus Dispatch that Kevin Dineen, current coach for the AHL Portland Pirates (in Maine, affiliate to the Buffalo Sabres) is rumored as a front runner as the next coach in Columbus.
2010 Vezina Trophy nominees announced today: Brodeur, Bryzgalov, Miller named Vezina finalists - NHL.com
By now you've probably seen the OT "game winner" by the Avalanche's 19-year old Ryan O`Reilly on Evgeni Nabokov in Denver last night, with a major assist by Sharks' top D-man Dan Boyle. Then came this tremendous ovation for Avs' goalie John Anderson with his record-breaking 51 saves in the shutout. Now you must read this follow up story, looking at where the Sharks go from here: Annual spring search for Joe Thornton called off after Avalanche | Intent to Blow A massive manhunt for San Jose Sharks' star Joe Thornton was officially called off after a Colorado Avalanche buried him this week...
Tonight's NHL Games
7:00 PM, Sabres at Bruins (series tied at 1-1) on Versus.
7:00 PM, Capitals at Canadiens. (series tied at 1-1) Available on Center Ice or local TV only.