San Antonio Rampage
41-30-3-2 (87 Pts)
6th in Western Conf.
3rd in West Division
2011/12 vs. OKC: 4-4-0-0
Vs.
Oklahoma City Barons
45-22-4-5 (99 Pts)
1st in Western Conf.
West Division Champions
2011/12 vs. San Antonio:4-4
Schedule:
Game 1- 5/3: SA @ OKC 7:00pm CDT
Game 2- 5/5: SA @ OKC 7:00pm CDT
Game 3- 5/7: OKC @ SA 7:00pm CDT
Game 4- 5/10: OKC @ SA 7:00pm CDT
Game 5*- 5/11: OKC @ SA 7:00pm CDT
Game 6*- 5/13: SA @ OKC 4:00pm CDT
Game 7*- 5/15: SA @ OKC 7:00pm CDT
Game 6*- 5/13: SA @ OKC 4:00pm CDT
Game 7*- 5/15: SA @ OKC 7:00pm CDT
* = if necessary
Season series:
Oct 14: OKC-3 SA-2
Oct 30: OKC-4 SA-1
Dec 2: OKC-1 SA-0
Dec 3: SA-2 OKC-1
Dec 31: SA-4 OKC-3
Feb 2: OKC-3 SA-0
Feb 19: SA-1 OKC-0
Apr 15: SA-1 OKC-0
Dec 31: SA-4 OKC-3
Feb 2: OKC-3 SA-0
Feb 19: SA-1 OKC-0
Apr 15: SA-1 OKC-0
Home team in bold.
The Barons have a terrific defensive corps, anchored by Calder Cup champion and former Rampage defenseman Bryan Helmer. They are backstopped by reigning AHL goalie of the year Yann Danis. Up front, the Barons are a balanced and dangerous offensive team. No player more dangerous than Ryan Keller. Keller is a point per game performer in his playoff career and knows what it takes to win a cup, having done so last year in Binghamton.
Meanwhile, the Rampage got some huge first round performances from Jon Matsumoto (3-6-9), James Wright (2-4-6) and goalie Jacob Markstrom (3-0 2.46GAA .922 Save%). Also stepping up with some HUGE goals were the Rampage defensemen. Colby Robak and Roman Derlyuk each scored OT winners in the series and rookie Alex Petrovic also added 4 points.
The Rampage and Barons split the season series 4-4 with the Barons taking 3 of the first 4 and the Rampage winning 3 of the last 4. OKC outscored the Rampage 15-11 in the 8 games. OKC was 3-34 on the PP while the Rampage went just 3-27. Mark Arcobello (0-5-5) and Ryan Keller (3-2-5) led the Barons on the scoresheet and Yann Danis won just one of three games played vs. the Rampage but put up sick numbers saving 73 of 75 shots faced allowing just 2 goals in 3 games. For the Rampage, Evan Barlow was the surprising leader on offense with a goal and 3 assists. Jacob Markstrom and Dov Grumet-Morris had nearly identical numbers, both going 2-1 with a .949 save %. They both stopped 75 of 79 shots faced and each recorded a shutout.
Doom if: Oklahoma City scores like they did in the Houston series. The Barons are an elite defensive team with elite goaltending and the Rampage can't afford to fall behind.
Glee if: The Rampage can score 3-4 goals per game and keep the PP rolling. This will be an extremely tall order, but if they can find some offense, their defense and goaltending is good enough to keep OKC at bay.
Prediction: I won't predict what I think happens in each game as a 7 game series is just to hard to predict game by game. The Rampage can win this series if they play virtually mistake free hockey. They need to do it 4 times out of 7. Unfortunately, I don't think they will and Danis will just be too good. Barons in 6
(please let me be wrong, like usual)
(please let me be wrong, like usual)
Injury Updates and Player News:
- Sean Sullivan and Michal Repik have both resumed practicing and travelled with the team to OKC today.
- Greg Rallo was a late scratch for game 5 and his status for this series is uncertain. (also read as OUT)
- The Rampage added Vincent Trocheck, Logan Shaw, and Quentin Howden this weekend. Howden practiced on a line with Timmins and Barlow and is a very good possibility to play this week.
- Rampage rookie defenseman Alex Petrovic was named the WHL Defenseman of the Year. Congrats to him on this outstanding achievement.
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