The Skipjacks got bad news after yesterday's practice when goalie Jim Hrivnak was recalled by the Washington Capitals to replace ailing Mike Liut.

Liut sustained a bruised ankle from a shot during the Caps' morning skate yesterday in Manhattan. Hrivnak boarded a plane in the afternoon and was on the bench at Madison Square Garden last night when the Caps lost 2-1 to the Rangers with Don Beaupre in goal.

Coach Terry Murray said that Liut was expected to attempt practice this morning and, if he's available for tomorrow's second game with the Rangers, Hrivnak would meet the Jacks in Binghamton, where they will begin their first-round playoff series with the AHL Rangers tomorrow night.

If Hrivnak doesn't return, the Jacks plan to recall Byron Dafoe from Hampton Roads of the ECHL to back up Shawn Simpson.