Bears/River Rats AHL Preview

Albany River Rats (23-24-2-2, 50 points)
at
Hershey Bears (32-10-5-5, 74 points)

Television: B2Networks

Radio: Bears Network (100.1 FM, 1490-AM, 960-AM)

Gametime: 7:00 PM ET

After having a week off since last Saturday’s 4-0 win at home against Albany, the Bears return to action tonight to once face the River Rats at the Giant Center. Hershey will be going for their unheard of 20th consecutive win over the shared AHL franchise of the Carolina Hurricanes and the Colorado Avalanche.

With Frederic Cassivi still in Washington, goaltender Nolan Schaefer will get his first start since returning to the team on Feb 15. He was recalled by his parent club, the San Jose Sharks, when Evgeni Nabokov was sidelined with a groin injury.

The Bears find themselves five points out of first place in the East Division after Norfolk’s overtime win Wednesday night at home against the Portland Pirates. The Admirals however, were destroyed last night by the River Rats 7-3 at the Times Union Center in Albany. Cody McCormick, Dan DaSilva, and Antti Laaksonen each netted two goals to lead the way in the impressive victory.

Since these two teams played last weekend, Albany has received some much needed help on the blue line following the reassignment of defenseman Anton Babchuk from Carolina. In 51 games this season with the Hurricanes, Babchuk had 2 goals and 12 assists and was a -6 defensively.

Joey Tenute will be a gametime decision after being hit in the mouth with a stick in Tuesday’s practice.