River Rats power past Phantoms, 3-1

ALBANY, N.Y. - The Albany River Rats capitalized on the power play last night to beat the Philadelphia Phantoms, 3-1, in an AHL game at the Times Union Center.

Albany (19-15-0) is back to within five points of the East Division-leading Phantoms (22-9-1).

Albany opened the scoring 8 minutes, 7 seconds into the first period on a wraparound backhand shot by Nicolas Blanchard that got past Brian Boucher.

Jesse Boulerice tied the score against his former team just after a power play had ended in the second period.

The River Rats snapped the 1-1 tie in the third period, scoring on power plays 62 seconds apart to get the victory. Jerome Samson and Brandon Nolan were credited with the goals at 14:44 and 15:46.

Michael Leighton stopped 19 of 20 shots to get the win, while Boucher saved 29 of 32 shots.

The Phantoms will be in Hershey for tomorrow's 5 p.m. game against the Bears.

They will host the Lowell Devils at 7:05 p.m. Friday.