San Antonio Rampage
20-8-1-0 1st in Western Div. - 41pts
Last game: Lost to Texas (3-0) on Dec 17th.
Leaders
Goals: Brett MacLean 14
Assists: Mikkel Boedker 17
Points: Matt Beaudoin/MacLean 27
+/-: Chris Summers +11
PIM: Eric Neilson 41
Wins: Al Montoya 7
GAA: Montoya 2.92
Save %: Montoya .898
AT
Oklahoma City Barons
16-10-1-3 T-4th in West Div. - 36pts
Last game:Lost to Hamilton (3-0) on Dec 17th
Leaders
Goals: Liam Reddox 15
Assists: Alexandre Giroux 17
Points: Reddox/Giroux 27
+/- : Liam Reddox +13
PIM: Alex Plante 64
Wins: Martin Gerber 11
GAA: Gerber 2.34
Save % : Gerber .918
Cox Convention Center
OKC, OK
7:05pm CST
Radio: Ticket 760 AM
www.ticket760.com
Both teams come in to tonight's contest coming off disappointing 3-0 shutouts. The Rampage dominated much of the contest vs the Stars but just couldn't solve Richard Bachman failing to score on any of the 41 shots attempted. The Rampage faithful, hoping to shower the ice with teddy bears, instead filled the ice with the stuffed little buddies after the Stars added the empty netter with a minute left. I'll admit, I know next to nothing about playing sports at a professional level, but that had to sting a bit. BOXSCORE
The Barons meanwhile, lost at home to the Hamilton Bulldogs by the same score. OKC went 0-8 on the power play while allowing 2 power play goals to the Dogs. I imagine both teams are looking forward to taking out some offensive frustration tonight.
The Rampage will once again rely on Joe Fallon as Matt Climie was recalled to Phoenix to fill in as the backup as starting goalie Ilya Bryzgalov is battling the flu. Backing up Fallon in former Air Force Academy goalie, and current Air Force officer at Brooks City Base Andrew Volkening, who was signed to an Amateur Tryout Offer prior to last night's game.
The Rampage have won both contests vs the Barons this season, both in OKC, outscoring their opponent by a 10-4 margin. The Barons will visit San Antonio for the first time the week after Christmas for a 2 game set on the 29th and on New Years Eve.
Some thoughts from last night:
- Fallon was steady. With the exception of his GIANT mistake in the first minute of the second, he made some key saves and kept it close. Can't fault a goalie for holding a team to 2 goals if his offense can't do anything.
- Goncharov is quickly becoming this years version of Matt Jones/Dave Schlemko/Shaun Heshka. AKA my whipping boy on defense. He makes some...let's just call them "questionable" decisions about 5 times a game.
- Not a fan of fights, but it's nice to see Eric Neilson throw people around this year. His second period KO of Luke Gazdic was a thing of beauty.
- If these two teams have to meet in the playoffs. I'm staying home. I can't handle watching these guys dominate our team every night.
- Tonight is OKC's Teddy Bear Toss. Would be nice to get a little payback.
The Rampage return home tomorrow for a matinee with Hamilton. Game time is 4:30pm and the building will open two hours prior to faceoff for a pre-game skate. See you all at the rink and LET'S GO RAMPAGE!!!
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