Rampage "3 Stars of the Week" Jan 27th - Feb 2nd

Photo by John Snyder Jr.

Last week, die-hard Rampage fans felt the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in a three day span. On Wednesday, despite being outshot 46-18, the Rampage defeated the rival Texas Stars on the road for just the 7^th time in franchise history. The 4-2 victory was the Rampage’s first regulation win in Cedar Park—and only the third in franchise history--since March 10^th, 2012 and the first multi-goal victory in CPC since Feb 28, 2010--the Stars inaugural season.

Friday saw the return of the annual “Pink in the Rink” game and another great crowd. Unfortunately, due to some questionable calls, and one downright blown call, the Rampage couldn’t hold on to a two goal third period lead, falling to the Toronto Marlies 4-3 in overtime.

Despite the loss on Friday, the Rampage were able to secure five out of six points against the top three teams in the Western Conference before embarking on their 30 day, ten game Rodeo Road Trip. Game one is Wednesday morning against those same Marlies in Toronto.

San Antonio Rampage “Three Stars of the Week” for the week ending February 2nd:

 

Photo by John Snyder Jr

1^st Star: Michael Houser (1GP  1-0-0  2.00    .957)

Houser single-handedly carried the team to a rare win in Cedar Park. The Rampage backstop stopped 44 of 46 shots, including 21 of 23 in the 3^rd period. The goalie competition could soon be up for grabs and, with more games like Wednesday’s, Houser could be the man very soon.

Photo by Darren Abate

2^nd Star: Bobby Butler (2GP  2G-0A-2pts  3 SOG  +2)

Butler electrified the home crowd of 15,000 plus with two first period goals in Friday night’s heartbreaking loss to Toronto. After scoring on a breakaway early, Butler added a short handed tally later in the period, beating Marlies goalie Garrett Sparks to a loose puck and scoring into the open net.

 

Photo by Darren Abate

 3^rd Star: Ryan Martindale (2GP  0G-2A-2pts  4 SOG  +2)

Martindale has been a very effective player since the trade with OKC. With Jared Gomes out, Martindale has centered the 3^rd line and played very well. He’s decent in the faceoff circle, can forecheck and penalty kill, and isn’t afraid to stand up for teammates. The 3^rd year player has registered a point in four of his six games in a Rampage uniform.

Honorable Mention: Jed Ortmeyer (2GP  2G-0A-2Pts  5 SOG  -1)

Jed was *this* close to earning a spot on his second straight “Three Stars” list. Jed scored two big goals in the victory over Texas but had a rough go of it Friday night as he picked up 3 minor penalties, including the tripping call 16 seconds into OT which led to the game winner for Toronto just 18 seconds later. Never the less, Jed has been a huge part of the team’s recent turnaround and deserves credit for that.

Three Stars Season Standings
1. Bobby Butler - 4
T-2. Vincent Trocheck - 3
T-2. Jed Ortmeyer - 3
T-3. Garrett Wilson - 2 
T-3. Jacob Markstrom - 2
T-3. Jared Gomes - 2
T-3. Denny Urban - 2
T-3. Greg Rallo - 2
T-3. Drew Shore - 2
T-3. Matt Gilroy - 2
T-3. Michael Houser - 2
T-4. Quinton Howden - 1
T-4. Steve Pinizzotto - 1
T-4. Dov-Grumet-Morris - 1
T-4. Jon Matsumoto - 1
T-4. Doug Janik - 1
T-4. Colby Robak - 1 
T-4. Ryan Martindale - 1

News and Notes:

-      Drew Shore has been returned to the Rampage from Florida. This appears, at first glance, to be a move to get Shore some playing time during the Olympic break. Shore, due to NHL rules, was the only Panther eligible to play in San Antonio during this period.

-      Both Jared Gomes and Alex Petrovic are full participants in practice and will likely be re-inserted into the lineup this week. They have both been cleared, but needed some additional time to get into game shape.

-      Greg Zanon has been participating in a yellow non-contact jersey for the last week or so of practice. There are reports that he tore his ACL, but a source with knowledge of the situation tells me it was actually an achilles tear.

-      Jon Matsumoto remains out “long term” after undergoing surgery on his hand and Michael Caruso is out another one to two weeks, but could resume skating soon.