Shortly before opening faceoff at the Glens Falls Civic Center, and kudos to everyone who made the trip through snowy conditions to get here.

Michael Leighton is starting in goal for the River Rats, against Dan LaCosta for Syracuse. Karl Goehring, who had his Albany mojo shattered in the last meeting, is backing up.

Defenseman Noah Babin and injured rookie center Bobby Hughes did not skate in warmups. Right wing Joel Rechlicz, who did, was also scratched.

With captain Keith Aucion in Carolina, the Rats are dressing three alternates: Tim Conboy, Pat Dwyer and Jamie Johnson. It is likely to remain that way for the duration of Aucoin's absence because, as assistant coach Geordie Kinnear is fond of saying, "That 'C' isn't put on with velcro." Translation: Aucoin is the captain, whether he's here or not.

Line combinations, left to right, were Brandon Nolan-Johnson-Jerome "Ooh-La-La" Samson, Ryan Bayda-Greg Rallo-Jakub Petruzalek, Mike Angelidis-Nicolas Blanchard-Pat Dwyer, and Joe Jensen-Angelidis-Trevor Gillies.

Defense pairings were Casey Borer-Conboy, Joe Mormina-Brett Carson, and Bryan Rodney-Mark Flood.

Borer-Conboy are in the starting lineup, along with a combination of Jensen-Blanchard-Dwyer at forward.

Bayda, who hasn't played since Dec. 14 with concussion-like symptoms, was flying during warmups, looking ready and eager to go. He will be a welcome addition to the lineup.

It will be interesting to see the two-referee system in action. Former NHL linesman Kevin Collins is here for the league to supervise.

Two things I miss from my days here as a fan: the $2.50 draft beer and the Super Red Wing Dog. I guess Super Rat Dog doesn't have the same cache.