After a mandtory league-wide four-day all-star break, the River Rats are back at practice and gearing up for what promises to be a memorable stretch run.

Not sure if it will make my Friday morning story or not, but defenseman Tim Conboy, an alternate captain, will miss the home game with Syracuse serving an automatic one-game AHL suspension for accumulating instigator penalties.

Conboy has been in 12 fights this season and three times he has been deemed the instigator. AHL rule 47.10 says a player who picks up three in a season must sit for one regular-season game. A fourth will result in a two-game suspension and it goes to three games for a fifth. Each suspension carries a $250 fine.

Here's a thought: thought it doesn't happen often (three out of 12 in Conboy's case), shouldn't there be an instigator in every fight? Theoretically, doesn't somebody always start it and the other follow? Of course, we are in the age of YouTube, where tossing one's helmet aside (a necessity with the AHL's mandatory visor rule) and circling one's opponent is as much a part of the spectacle as the fight itself.

So, no Conboy, which may open the door for either Noah Babin or J.D. Forrest to get some ice time. Babin was a healthy scratch the last two games, and Forrest for the last six.

Players were focused but loose at this morning's practice at RPI, looking energized by the time off. Coach Rowe made it an optional skate for both of Albany's all-stars, captain Keith Aucoin and goalie Mike Leighton, although Leighton was on the ice.

A member of the winning Canadian all-star team, Leighton joked that Aucoin stayed away because he wasn't ready to show his face yet. Leighton stopped Aucoin on a breakaway in the skills competition and came way out of his net to break up an Aucoin breakaway early in the all-star game.

"I guess he's embarrassed," Leighton said.

Got a kick out of Rowe when he was talking about a resurgent Jakub Petruzalek, who has been scoring as well as finishing his checks lately. "One night he had 16 legitimate hits," Rowe said, "which you never expect out of a guy like him. He's just a little bit bigger than Phil here. It's amazing." What's he trying to say?

It was great to see Ryan Bayda back on the ice and taking part in drills again. He has been out with a concussion since Dec. 14, but the team is eyeing a return as early as the Feb. 9 game in Glens Falls. The timing couldn't be better. I caught up with him afterward and Bayda is clearly relieved and excited to get going again. Look for something next week on his ordeal.

Elsewhere, David Gove has dressed as alternate captain the last five games. Named an alternate to start the season, with Conboy and Pat Dwyer sharing the other 'A', Gove had the letter taken away at the end of December in favor of a rotation between Conboy, Dwyer and Jamie Johnson. Gove noticeably stepped up his game this month.

Speaking of Gove, I asked him if the gray Patriots hoodie he had on today was new. "Nope, it's the same one I've worn every day for the past week." Hope there was a wash cycle mixed in there somewhere.

As reporters chatted with Rowe after practice, he stood with his back to the glass -- a no-no -- as players did assorted post-skate work. Naturally, a puck came flying hard -- and loudly -- off the glass behind Rowe, causing him to look back and see Trevor Gillies skating away with a big, satisfied grin on his face.

Now, to some comments. To George4005, thanks for the kind words and, no, I did not get lost getting in or out of Binghamton. It's amazing what good directions will get you. I've already tossed that old set that I was using for the past 15 years. At least, I hope they were the old ones. Anyway, any directions to Binghamton that include the words "Vestal Parkway" are only trouble.

To Johnny, again, thanks for reading. I agree that the Sabres have shown little interest in the Amerks, which, considering the franchise's history and success, is nothing short of amazing.

I am in favor of seeing Glens Falls back in the league, but it would have to be under the right circumstances. To bring a team in just for the sake of having a team is the wrong approach. It should be someone committed to the community and to a successful on-ice product, which are two big strikes against the Devils. The Phantoms may be looking for a new home soon. Hmmmm........

Rest assured that as long as Walt Robb is the owner, there will be pro hockey in Albany. He should be sainted for what the Devils put him through. He, and the fans, are being rewarded now. For my money (and that's not a lot; remember, I'm a sportswriter), Walter Robb Arena has a great ring to it, don't you think?