THIS WEEK’S OPPONENT:
The River Rats switched hands during the summer, as the Carolina Hurricanes have made the squad their primary AHL affiliate. Albany had previously housed the New Jersey Devils’ prospects.

The Rats currently sit tied for fifth in the East Division with a 2-1-0-0 record (4 points), and have been outscored 11-8. Albany dropped its season opener to the Rochester Americans, 6-0, but followed with wins at Lowell (5-3) and against Hamilton (3-2).

Former Penguin Matt Murley is suiting up for the River Rats this season. The Troy, NY native, currently under contract with the Colorado Avalanche, is scoreless with a minus-4 rating in his first two games with Albany.

The Penguins and River Rats will meet a total of six times this season (three in Albany, three in Wilkes-Barre).

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS:
The first 5,000 fans attending Saturday night’s game against the River Rats will receive a Penguins Team Calendar, compliments of Coors Light. The full-color, 13-month calendar features a different Penguins player each month.

Measuring 11" x 17", the calendar features many of your favorite Penguins players, including Dennis Bonvie (pictured), Noah Welch, Alain Nasreddine, Ryan Stone, Daniel Carcillo and many more!

Don't miss your chance to own one of the best giveaways of the season! Get your tickets now by calling ticketmaster at 693-4100, or log on to www.ticketmaster.com.

The Penguins will also host their first classic car cruise in the Wachovia Arena parking lot prior to Saturday night’s game. Car registration for the event is $18.00, which includes admission to the game. Additional tickets may be purchased by registrants at just $13.50. For more info on the car cruise, contact the Penguins at 208-7367.

PENGUINS SEASON KICKOFF PARTY:
Help welcome hockey back to the area at the Penguins Kickoff Party, being held Tuesday night at the Arena Bar and Grill on Coal Street. The entire Penguins team will be on hand to sign autographs and take photos, with great food and drinks provided by the Arena Bar and Grill staff.

Cost of admission, which includes a full buffet dinner and a chance to meet your favorite Penguins’ players, is just $25 for adults ($10 for kids 10 and under). All proceeds from the event benefit the Penguins/United Way Charity Fund. Tickets can be purchased at the Penguins Team Store, 415 Arena Hub Plaza, Wilkes-Barre, or at the Arena Bar and Grill door on the night of the event.

PENGUINS LEAGUE LEADERS (as of October 16):
• Erik Christensen is tied for 11th in the league with six points and is tied for 12th with four assists.
• Jonathan Filewich is tied for 11th in the league with six points and is tied for fourth with five assists.
• Alain Nasreddine is tied for ninth among defensemen with three points.
• Rob Schremp is tied for seventh among rookies with four points.
• Matt Carkner is tied for eighth with 22 penalty minutes.
• Jeff Deslauriers is tied for first in the league with a 1.00 goals against average and is second with a .963 save percentage.

PENS NOTES:
• Erik Christensen carries a four-game scoring streak (2+4=6) into Friday night’s game in Albany.

Great Pens partial and full season ticket packages are still on sale! Don't miss out on the action! Call the Penguins at 208-7367 to get yours today.