ALBANY — The River Rats broke out in record-setting fashion on Saturday night.
Albany scored a franchise-record five power-play goals — including two from left wing Jiri Tlusty and rookie goalie Mike Murphy made 27 saves in a 7-0 pasting of Binghamton in an American Hockey League encounter.
The seven-goal margin of victory also equaled a franchise record achieved four previous times (most recently in an 8-1 victory at Norfolk on Dec. 5, 2008).
Albany converted on its first four power plays and cashed in on five of seven man advantages on the night.
Right wing Harrison Reed and Tlusty each scored a power-play goal within a span of 2:03 in the first period, with Tlusty’s goal coming at 9:03.
After killing off a double minor to open the second period, right wing Jerome Samson scored his team-leading 21st goal, on the power play at 4:00, and Tlusty followed with his second power-play tally at 5:28.
Left wing Nicolas Blanchard and center Mike Angelidis also scored in the second period and center Nick Dodge followed with the team’s record-setting fifth power-play goal at 15:19 of the third.
Murphy made 17 saves over the final two periods to preserve his second career shutout.
Left wing Chris Terry and defenseman Bryan Rodney each registered two assists for Albany (28-20-3-3), which won its first game against Binghamton (21-24-3-2) in five meetings this season.
The Rats will host Norfolk on Monday at 5 p.m. in a Presidents Day matinee.