Photo by Darren Abate
The San Antonio Rampage had won four games away from the AT&T Center before the annual Rodeo Road Trip began. They have now matched, and surpassed, that total after winning their 5th straight road game today in Hamilton over the Bulldogs.
Last Friday, the Rampage went in to Grand Rapids for a tough two game set with the defending champion Griffins. After Michael Houser and co. earned a 2-1 shootout win on Friday, Jacob Markstrom earned his, and the team's first shutout of the season, blanking the Griffins 3-0. They left on Saturday with two wins and an improbable four points in the standings which led to this:
Today, the Rampage kept the hot streak alive as they beat the Bulldogs 4-1 on the strength of yet another balanced attack and strong defense and goaltending. The team now has a couple of days off before returning to action Friday night in Rochester to play the team directly in front of them in the standings and the team holding the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. They follow that up with a trip to Toronto on Saturday and a return to Hamilton next Sunday to round out the week.
San Antonio Rampage “Three Stars of the Week” for the week ending February 2nd:
Photos by Darren Abate
1st Star: Jacob Markstrom/Michael Houser (3GP 3-0-0 0.65 GAA .979 Save %)
I am completely unable to distinguish between these two goalies and pick one but not the other. And as you'll see in a minute, there are two skaters who are equally deserving of a star this week. And since this is my blog, I will do what I want. Houser, for all intents, and purposes stole the game on Friday in Grand Rapids, stopping 37 of 38 shots. He also went 4-4 in the shootout. Markstrom, pitched a shutout Saturday and followed it up with another fantastic performance on Monday afternoon. The only goal he allowed was after a terrible turnover and a puck shot in off of Alex Petrovic's skate.
Photo by Darren Abate
2nd Star: Drew Shore (3GP 3G-0A-3pts 6 SOG +4)
Drew Shore scored in all 3 games this week continuing his torrid pace since being re-assigned to the Rampage for the Olympic break. Drew is likely headed back to Florida once the break ends, especially now that Alexsander Barkov will miss 4-6 weeks with a knee injury. He will be sorely missed at the top of the Rampage lineup.
Photo by Darren Abate
3rd Star: Bobby Butler (3GP 0G-4A-4pts 6 SOG +4)
Butler has been the biggest benefactor of Shore's resurgance collecting assists on all three Shore tallies. Butler had two assists in Saturday's win and is now on a four game point streak.
Honorable Mention: N/A
Hey, I gave you four stars out of three slots. Stop being greedy.
Three Stars Season Standings
1. Bobby Butler - 5
T-2. Vincent Trocheck - 4
T-2. Drew Shore - 4
T-3. Jed Ortmeyer - 3
T-3. Jacob Markstrom - 3
T-3. Michael Houser - 3
T-4. Garrett Wilson - 2
T-4. Jared Gomes - 2
T-4. Denny Urban - 2
T-4. Greg Rallo - 2
T-4. Matt Gilroy - 2
T-5. Quinton Howden - 1
T-5. Steve Pinizzotto - 1
T-5. Dov-Grumet-Morris - 1
T-5. Jon Matsumoto - 1
T-5. Doug Janik - 1
T-5. Colby Robak - 1
T-5. Ryan Martindale - 1
T-5. Joey Crabb - 1
News and Notes:
- The Panther Pipeline stayed red-hot as Dylan Olsen scored in his first game back since being re-assigned last week. He, like Shore, will likely be headed back to S. Florida very soon.
- Last week, JP Williams and I recorded our first edition of our new weekly podcast. We think it went well, but we are always looking for new ideas. Please listen and share any ideas, comments, or criticisms with us on Twitter or in the comments below.
- Speaking of podcasts. We will be recording vol. 2 tonight where we will recap this weekend's action, talk all things Rampage, and look ahead to this weekend's huge games.
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