Gameday! Rampage @ Texas Dec 19th 7:30pm (TV:FSSW)

San Antonio Rampage

10-15-0-3 23pts 15th in Western Conf.

Last game: Lost to Charlotte (2-1) on Dec. 16th

Leaders:
Goals: G.Rallo – 10
Assists: J.Rheault/D.Shore – 14
Points: Rheault – 21
+/-: E.Selleck - +3
PIM: Selleck – 109

Wins: J.Markstrom – 8
GAA: D.Grumet-Morris – 2.78
Save %: Markstrom - .910
Shutouts: DGM – 2

AT

Texas Stars

13-8-2-2 30pts 6th in Western Conf.

Last game: Lost Abbotsford (2-1 in shootout) on Dec. 15th

Leaders:
Goals: M.Fraser– 10
Assists: 3 players w/ – 10
Points: C.Eakin– 18
+/-: Eakin - +7
PIM: A.Roussel – 79

Wins: C.Nilstorp – 9
GAA: Nilstorp– 2.18
Save %: Nilstorp - .913
Shutouts – Nilstorp - 2

Dec. 19th 7:30pm CST

Cedar Park Center

Cedar Park, TX

Radio: Ticket 760

TV: Fox Sports Southwest

  The Rampage and their four game losing streak head up I-35 to take on the Stars in a building that has seen them win exactly four times in the last 2+ seasons. Texas, meanwhile, has only lost once in the last 10 games and is on a 6 game point streak. I think we all know where this game is headed. And the good news, we get to watch on TV!

  The Stars have beaten the Rampage all three games so far this season, all in regulation, by a combined score on 10-4, including a 3-0 shutout the last time the Rampage were in Cedar Park on Nov. 15th. In that game, Stars goalie Christopher Nilstorp stopped all 21 shots faced and the Rampage never challenged the Stars.

  The Stars are winning with balanced scoring (no player has more than 18 points and eight players are in double digits) and terrific defense and goaltending. They are 5th in the AHL allowing just 2.60 goals per game while allowing a 3rd best 26.56 shots per game. They are also exceptional holding onto leads. When leading or tied after two periods of play, the Stars are unbeaten on the season sporting a 11-0-1-2 record. On the flip side, the Rampage are just 4-13-0-1 when trailing or tied after two periods, including a 1-8-0-1 record away from home.



News & Notes:

- Training camp invitee, Francois Bouchard, has left the Cincinnati Cyclones to play in Croatia. As I tweeted yesterday, I still think he should’ve made the team.

- It’s been two business days since Alex Petrovic’s meltdown vs. OKC that saw him pick up“Aggressor” and “Abuse of Officials” misconducts at the end of the game. Apparently, he won’t be suspended by the league after all. Edit: I missed the tweet before Saturday's game from Dan Weiss, but the league rescinded the Abuse of Officials misconduct so Petrovic will face no further discipline. Thanks for bringing this to my attention, Dan!



  After the game tonight, the Rampage head to southwest Ontario to take on Toronto and Hamilton this weekend. The game vs. Hamilton could have huge implications on the battle for last place in the AHL.

  There is a viewing party tonight at Sideliners on Henderson Pass at Thousand Oaks. They aren’t exactly known for their service (or even caring about it) so I recommend eating before you arrive. I don’t need any of my readers starving to death. The game is on Fox Sports Southwest (check your local listings) though, so avoid the heartburn and enjoy the game from the comfort of your own couch.



Enjoy the game and Lets go Rampage!