Gameday! Rampage @ Rivermen - Feb 24th 7:00pm CST

San Antonio Rampage

28-22-2-1 8th Place- Western Conference (59 pts)
Last game: Defeated OKC 1-0 on Feb 19th

Leaders:

Goals: B.Thomas 17

Assists: M.Cullen 25

Pts: B.Kearns 37

+/-: N.Yonkman  +14

PIM: E. Selleck 146

Wins: D. Grumet-Morris 17

GAA: Grumet-Morris 2.22

Save%: Grumet-Morris .925



 AT

Peoria Rivermen

29-22-2-1 6th- Western Conference (61 pts)
Last game: Defeated Abbotsford 4-3 (SO) on Feb 21st

Leaders:

Goals: B.Sterling 21

Assists: D.Syrvet 28

Points: Sterling 45

+/-: C.Fairchild +30

PIM: A.Peluso 130

Wins: B.Bishop 24

GAA: Bishop 2.26

Save%: Bishop .928

Carver Arena

Peoria, IL

7:00PM CST

Radio courtesy of Ticket 760
TV: FSSW+

 

 The 3rd and final leg of the annual rodeo road trip kicks off tonight in Peoria. The Rampage take on the Rivermen the next 2 nights with 4 huge points on the line. The Rampage will be challenged this weekend as offensive leaders Jon Matsumoto and Michal Repik were recently recalled to Florida. Adding to the woes, Mark Cullen was left home for the final leg of the trip with the dreaded "upper body" injury. The injury stems from the hit Cullen took from Texas Star forward Francis Wathier last Friday night. The good news is that both Nolan Yonkman and Tyson Strachan have been returned to the Rampage, solidifying the blue line for the weekend. Strachan is not expected to make it to Peoria for tonight's game, but will be in the lineup tomorrow.

 Peoria is a dangerous offensive team, but their biggest play maker, TJ Hensick, also won't play tonight as he is currently on recall to St. Louis. The Rivermen still have Brett Sterling, Derek Nesbitt, and former Maurice Richard Award winner Johnathan Cheechoo. On Defense, the Rivermen boast the AHL leader in +/- in rookie Cade Fairchild. Interestingly, the only other defenseman with a positive rating is former Rampage d-man Shaun Heshka at a +4. I can't even begin to understand how that happens.

 The two Rampage goalies will split time over the weekend, though it still remains to be seen who will get 2 games compared to 1. In my opinion, DGM is playing just too well right now and he needs to play 2 of 3 until he falters.


News and Notes:

• The Rampage have recalled Anthony Luciani and Joe Devin from Cincinnati to replace the forwards called up to Florida.
• As noted, Mark Cullen didn't travel with the team. David Marshall also stayed home after having some issues stemming from a spider bite on his elbow.
• I'm still trying to get answers regarding Matsumoto's waiver status. I have heard he is both exempt and not exempt. Once I hear one way or the other, I will send out a tweet.
• Repik is waiver exempt unless he stays up for 10 games/30 days as he has already cleared waivers once this season.

   We need another 4 points this weekend. It's going to be a challenge, but if they can get through this rough stretch without losing ground, the schedule and the returning players set up very favorably for the Rampage. LET'S GO RAMPAGE!!