Gameday! 3/16/2011: Rampage Vs. Milwaukee

 



San Antonio Rampage
36-25-3-1 6th in West Div. - 76pts
Last game: Lost to Grand Rapids (5-4 SO) on Mar 13th.


Leaders
Goals: Alexandre Picard 21
Assists: Garrett Stafford 28
Points: Mathieu Beaudoin  44
+/-: Nick Ross  +7
PIM: Dane Byers  130
Wins: Matt Climie 23
GAA: Climie 2.63
Save %: Climie .916

VS





 



Milwaukee Admirals
36-18-5-7 T-1st in West Div. - 84pts
Last game: Lost to Houston (3-2 OT)  on Mar. 15th




Leaders
Goals: Linus Klasen  22
Assists: Roman Josi  24
Points:  Klasen  45
+/-: Teemu Laakso  +14
PIM: Kelsey Wilson  124
Wins: Mark Dekanich 23
GAA: Dekanich 2.04
Save %: Dekanich .930



ATT Center
San Antonio TX
7pm CDT
Radio: Ticket 760 AM
www.ticket760.com



  The Rampage are still in the playoff hunt numerically. The team sits just 4 points out of the final guaranteed playoff position, but also has multiple games in hand over everyone in the division with the exception of tonight's opponent  Milwaukee and last place Rockford. The key, however, is gaining 2 points in those games. The Rampage blew a 2 goal third period lead in the final ten minutes to Grand Rapids on Sunday, eventually losing in a shootout for the first time this season. The line of Beaudoin, Picard, and Robitaille combined for 9 of the 11 Rampage points. Beaudoin and Robitaille both had great weeks, each recording 2 goals and 4 assists in 3 games. Meanwhile Jeff May, despite scoring his first goal of the season in the blowout loss to Manitoba on Saturday, was a -6 in those 3 games and Matt Climie went 1-1-0-1 with a GAA north of 4 goals per game and a .884 save %. In fairness to Climie, his defense has been nothing short of awful. At some point though, playoff caliber goalies, which I believe Matt is, need to make some tough saves when constantly challenged.

  Tonight's opponent, Milwaukee, is coming off a hard fought OT loss last night in Houston. The feature an explosive player in Linus Klasen (#86) and fantastic defense and goaltending. I hate repeating myself, but this team needs to stop trying to outscore teams. They need to re-focus on team defense and minimizing mistakes. Finally, they need to let Milwaukee know that a trip into the ATT Center is not fun. They need to grind and hit and play aggressive hockey.

  In transaction news, the Rampage have released Jamie Bates from his PTO. Bates, immediately following his release, signed a PTO with Milwaukee, joining the team in Houston. He was in uniform last night and is expected to play tonight.

  I'm still waiting on word of the injuries to Garrett Stafford and Ryan Hollweg. Stafford, when asked over the weekend, was hopeful that he would be ready to go tonight. Once I get a solid word, I will update accordingly. Either here or on twitter (@RampageNate).


  Hope to see a bunch of rowdy Wednesday night fans tonight. Until then, LETS GO RAMPAGE!