I would first like to apologize to all my readers for all the delays. I am having a lot of troubles with my laptop and until they get fixed or it gets replaced (not happening), I'm going to continue to have issues getting out regular updates.
On to hockey! Your Rampage have now won 5 in a row since dropping a game in Cedar Park 5-4 in OT. They sit one point out of first, in both the division and the entire AHL, trailing only Peoria. They have, however, played more games (9) than the majority of the league.
Rampage (4) at Oklahoma City (1)
On Friday night, while yours truly was at a Halloween carnival, the Rampage travelled to OKC and beat up the home team Barons by a score of 4-1. The Rampage would score 3 quick goals, 2 by Tim Stapleton and hang on for the win. I don't have a lot of info regarding the game beyond what's on the scoresheet. But according to Barons fans and Dan Weiss, the good guys pretty much dominated from start to finish and Al Montoya bounced back from a rough first outing with a solid outing in net.
Rampage (2) vs Houston (0)
Saturday, the Rampage returned home for their first of 10 meetings with I-10 rival Houston, welcoming the Aeros to the ATT Center on "Spurs Night". A loud crowd of 7k+ saw the Rampage dominate the contest defensively from beginning to end. The Aeros managed 26 shots, but saw very few, if any, qual;ity scoring chances. Matt Climie was solid in net and the offense got an early goal from Alex Picard and a huge 3rd period deflection from Bracken Kearns. The offense was great in the first, horrible in the second, and playing to preserve a lead in the 3rd. I'd love to see a solid 60 minute effort from the offense.
Rampage (4) vs Peoria (1)
On Sunday, the Rampage, and most importantly Al Montoya, got a chance to avenge an ugly home loss to the Rivermen from 9 days before. They took that chance and ran with it. The offense was clicking early, scoring two first period goals, and the defense was once again spectacular. Montoya was smooth and confident in the crease, turning away 29 of 30 Peoria shots and claiming a much deserved 2nd star of the game. Brett MacLean had a huge afternoon with a goal and 2 assists and Matt Beaudoin added to his team leading point total with another goal and assist. The Rampage sent a message on Sunday. This isn't the same team that rolls over and gets intimidated.
Thoughts from the Weekend
- Good to see Montoya bounce back. If he can maintain this level of play, the Rampage will be a very difficult team to score on. My one complaint, he needs to be more aware of his surroundings when playing the puck out of the crease. He was starting to make me Tordjman nervous on Sunday.
- The defense this weekend was awesome. Best team defense I have seen from this team in the 4 years I have been going to games. The defensemen are playing fundamentally sound and physical defense. The forwards are backchecking and not giving up on the play. As a "defense first" kind of fan, I can't express enough how pleased I am at this development. I can only hope it continues.
- Looking at the team stats, there are no regular players on the minus side of the +/- stat line. I don't even know how to react to that.
- Boedker has really impressed me this season. He seems to have bought into being here (AHL) for now at least. He looks like he is having fun again and it is starting to show in his play. He even seems to enjoy himself at practice, routinely making wisecracks and smiling an awful lot.
- I'm not sure Tikhonov will ever be a 50 pt player in either the AHL or the NHL, but man can this guy play defense and possess the puck. He is a huge asset for any contender and his PK skills are top notch.
- I still love me some Alex Picard. With him AND Brett MacLean AND Bracken Kearns on the team, there won't be any garbage goals missed.
The team has a light couple of weeks here at the end of October with just 2 games, both at home in the 11 days before their next road trip the first weekend of November. Then the first 2+ weeks of November will be hell for them, playing 8 games in 15 days (4 road and 4 home). I hope to make it out to practice this week and if I do, and my laptop cooperates, I will update then. Until then, see you at the rink and LET'S GO RAMPAGE!!
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