Gameday! Rampage vs. Stars - 1/27/2012 7pm

San Antonio Rampage

22-18-2-0 8th Place- Western Conference (46 pts)
Last game: Defeated Houston 4-3 (SO) on Jan 22nd

Leaders:

Goals: J. Matsumoto 16

Assists: Matsumoto 23

Pts: Matsumoto 39

+/-: C.Robak/B.Thomas  +11

PIM: E. Selleck 124

Wins: D. Grumet-Morris 11

GAA: Grumet-Morris 1.99

Save%: Grumet-Morris .931



 Vs.

Texas Stars

20-18-1-2 11th- Western Conference (43 pts)
Last game: Defeated Houston 4-3 (SO) on Jan 21st

Leaders:

Goals: M. Fraser 21

Assists: T. Morin 33

Points: Morin 38

+/-: F.Wathier +11

PIM: R. Garbutt 68

Wins: A. Raycroft/T. Beskorowany 6

GAA: Raycroft 2.41

Save%: Raycroft .914

ATT Center

San Antonio, TX

7:00PM CST

Radio courtesy of Ticket 760

  The Texas Stars bring their 3 game winning streak to San Antonio for a Friday night battle with the Rampage, winners of 5 straight. The Rampage are 4-1-1-1 vs the Stars this season, including a 3-1 record at home. The Stars are playing well recently in front of recently waived Andrew Raycroft, who lost his backup goalie job in Dallas to Rampage killer Richard Bachman, and surprising rookie Matt Fraser who is 4th in the AHL with 21 goals. Meanwhile, the Rampage have turned things around recently with stellar defensive play and goaltending. Newcomer Jon Matsumoto has 5 points in 3 games since being acquired from Charlotte including 2 power play goals.

  The Rampage made yet another big trade on Thursday acquiring former Rampage all star defenseman Sean Sullivan from the Worcester Sharks. In exchange, the Rampage gave up center, Tim Kennedy who had just recently found his offensive game. Dale Tallon was once again able to deal from a position of depth (Center) to acquire a much needed d-man. In my Mid Season Thoughts post from earlier today, I mentioned the lack of a true puck moving defenseman as a weakness. If there is one thing Sully does well, it is getting the puck up the ice to his forwards. He is also very good on the power play and, along with Matsumoto, should really help with the sudden resurgence of the Rampage special teams.

  Rampage fans can expect on of Robak, Strachan, or Yonkman to be called up after the NHL All Star weekend to fill in for the Panthers defensive corps which is down two bodies for the next 2 months. It could also possibly be a rotation to see who will stick. If it's anyone but Yonkman, Mike Vernace will be a healthy scratch as the extra vet every night. If Yonkman goes up, it opens up a spot and Vernace would be able to dress.

There's just 3 home games left until the boys embark on the annual Rodeo Road Trip so come out and send them off on a high note. Tonight is dollar beer night. I will be in the Headliners bar at first intermission if anyone wants to buy their favorite blogger a $1 Shiner.* Until then...

LETS GO RAMPAGE!!

*I swear if I see Tony U. walking around with 8 beers, I will snap.