Gameday! 1/8: Rampage vs. Houston

 

San Antonio Rampage
24-13-1-0 2nd in Western Div. - 49pts
Last game: Defeated Texas (5-1) on Jan. 7th





Leaders
Goals: Brett MacLean  15
Assists: Garrett Stafford 21
Points: MacLean  35
+/- : MacLean +10
PIM: Eric Neilson 58
Wins: Matt Climie 15
GAA: Climie 2.46
Save %: Climie .921






VS.




 


 Houston Aeros
20-17-1-2 6th in Western Div. - 43pts
 Last game: Defeated Lake Erie (3-0)  on Jan. 7th






Leaders
Goals: Robbie Earl 11
Assists: Maxim Noreau 16
Points: Earl 25
+/- : Chad Rau +7
PIM: Matt Kassian 89
Wins: Anton Khudobin 12
GAA: Matt Hackett 2.51
Save % : Khudobin/Hackett .911

AT&T Center, San Antonio TX
7:00pm CST
Radio: Ticket 760 AM
TV: FSSW+
www.ticket760.com


  The Rampage exorcised some demons last night, finally beating the Texas Stars 5-1 before a sold out crowd at the AT&T Center. The win marked the first regulation win over the Stars in 6 tries this season. The Rampage got multiple point nights from 4 players, including Brett MacLean (2 assists), Mikkel Boedker (1G-1A), and Garrett Stafford (1G-1A). Rounding out the offensive explosion was defenseman and team Captain Nolan Yonkman. In his first 16 games in a Rampage uniform, Yonkman had 0 points. Then, in a span of 1:20 of the second period, Nolan picked up 2 assists completely turning the tide of the game. The Captain would finish off the night with a resounding KO of Ray Sawada in the closing minutes of the contest, bringing the 7700+ fans to their feet.

  Goalie Matt Climie stopped 27 of 28 shots after allowing a tough goal early in the first. Don't get me wrong, Brunnstrom's shot was about as perfect as you could ask for, but Climie got fooled on it, and 9.8 times out of 10, he makes that save. But overall, a solid effort from Climie, who really wasn't tested all that often.

  The Rampage defense was night and day from the last 2 weeks. Disciplined and smart, they dictated the Stars offense and let the chances come to them instead of pressing and making mistakes. Summers and Yonkman were fantastic. Stafford was his usual self. Ahnelov and Stone showed why they are promising prospects and Goncharov was steady. A great overall team effort.

  Tonight, the Rampage look to avenge last Saturday's heart breaking loss to the Aeros that saw the Rampage give up the tying and losing goal in the final minute of play. Returning to the ATT Center for the first time will be former Rampage winger Jed Ortmeyer, who signed a deal with the Minnesota Wild last week. Don't boo him. Don't call him a traitor. If any of you could get a raise like Orts did, you'd jump all over it.

  There are also rumblings on Twitter (@3rdIntermission), that Anton Khudobin will be called up to the Wild and could possibly be replaced by none other than Josh Tordjman. If this is the case, expect to see JT in one of the two games this weekend.

  Finally, be sure and check out www.mbmsportsonline.com for Rampage coverage as well as forums, discussions and game recaps. They also have an internet radio call in show that can be heard here. (schedule on the site) Call in number is (347) 426-3797. Be sure and call in and give your opinions to this upstart site and enthusiastic crew.

  See you all tonight at the rink. LET'S GO RAMPAGE!!!