Rampage "3 Stars of the Week" Dec 2nd-Dec 8th

Until this week, the Rampage have been hovering around .500 every week. This week, the Rampage, specifically the penalty kill, took a giant nosedive. The Rampage went 0-2-0-1 for the week earning just a single point in last Wednesday's shootout loss to Iowa at the ATT Center. Following the loss, the Rampage went to British Columbia to face the division leading Abbotsford Heat. What followed was the team's worst weekend of the season, getting swept in the two game set and allowing five power play goals in 11 chances and getting outscored 9-4. 

Honestly, other than the improved power play, there was very little to be optimistic about. The penalty kill was a nightmare, the goalies and defense looked below average, and overall, the team looked lethargic and bored. And to top it all off, the team is still unable to continue its parade to the penalty box. Up until now, they've been able to overcome the lack of discipline. This week, we saw what happens when a hockey team continually plays with fire.

 
San Antonio Rampage “Three Stars of the Week” for the week ending December 8th:


 

 Photo by Darren Abate

1st Star: Bobby Butler (3GP  2G-1A-3Pts   8 SOG  -2)
Butler managed to register a point in all three games this week and has been the most consistent Rampage forward over the last three weeks. He won't be winning any defensive awards any time soon, but he's a dangerous weapon on offense and seems to be a good leader.


 

 Photo by Josh Huskin

2nd Star: Vincent Trocheck (3GP  2G-1A-3Pts  10 SOG  -1)
Trocheck continued his stellar rookie campaign by adding three more points and leading all Rampage forwards with 10 shots on goal. Trocheck has struggled a bit defensively over the last two weeks, but his skill, both with and without the puck, is unmatched on this squad.

 

 Photo by Darren Abate

3rd Star: Dennis Urban (3GP  0G-2A-2pts  12 SOG  +1)
Urban continued his strong play this week and is making a very strong case to remain in the lineup even when the Rampage blue line gets fully healthy. He led the team in shots on goal and, along with Michael Caruso, was the only defenseman to register a plus for the week.

 

Honorable Mention: N/A
I had a hard enough time picking three. I'm not giving an 0-3 team an honorable mention star.


 
Three Stars Season Standings
1. Vincent Trocheck - 3
T-2. Garrett Wilson - 2 
T-2. Jacob Markstrom - 2
T-2. Jared Gomes - 2
T-2. Bobby Butler - 2
T-2. Denny Urban - 2
T-3. Quinton Howden - 1
T-3. Michael Houser - 1
T-3. Steve Pinizzotto - 1
T-3. Dov-Grumet-Morris - 1
T-3. Jon Matsumoto - 1
T-3. Greg Rallo - 1
T-3. Drew Shore - 1   
T-3. Jed Ortmeyer - 1




News and Notes:
-    Matt Gilroy was assigned to the Rampage from the Panthers over the weekend. He will meet the team in Charlotte. Gilroy had been recovering from an injury, but is obviously healthy now. The Rampage blue line is getting crowded. It will be interesting to see how Rowe (and possibly Santos) deals with the logjam.
-    The Rampage will play twice in Charlotte this week before returning home for two this weekend. Playing Charlotte means it's pretty much a guarantee that Philippe Cornet will register at least one multi-point game and possibly even a game winner.