Photo By Darren Abate
The San Antonio Rampage are running hot right now. Despite losing two top six forwards to the parent Florida Panthers, and another two to injury, the Rampage have won seven games in a row and now lead the West Division by four points over Oklahoma City.
On Tuesday, the Rampage beat the aforementioned Barons, 4-3 in a shootout, in front of 10k plus screaming school kids to extend their season record to 5-0 against the division rivals. The Rampage got goals from Bobby Butler, Shane O’Brien, and Logan Shaw and Dan Ellis picked up the win, stopping 32 of 35 shots. The game also saw rookie Rocco Grimaldi leave at the beginning of the 3rd period so he could catch a flight to southern California to suit up with the Panthers that night.
Friday night, the Rampage made the 90 minute trek–3 hours with traffic–to Cedar Park to face the Texas Stars. The Rampage have never fared well in the CPC, but wasted no time getting on the board early thanks to Connor Brickley. In the second period, the Rampage would add to their lead and never look back, eventually winning 7-1. Garrett Wilson posted his first four point game (2-2-4) and also got big games from Brickley (2g), Alex Petrovic (1-2-3) and Drew Shore (3a).
Sunday, the Stars came to San Antonio looking for revenge. Despite a much more physical and structured game from the defending champs, Dan Ellis and the Rampage defense would have nothing of it. The Rampage, once again, jumped out in front early on a Mark Mancari goal set up beautifully by Brickley. Brickley would add to the lead in the second period with a power play goal of his own and Shore would add an empty netter to seal the victory. Dan Ellis was superb in net stopping all 32 shots faced and the Rampage defense was outstanding, blocking several stars chances and clearing the few rebounds that Ellis did give up.
The Rampage now get some much needed rest for Thanksgiving break before two more home games this weekend against OKC and Iowa on Saturday and Sunday.
Be sure to tune in to Running With the Herd Live on Monday, Nov. 24th at 7pm local time on the Stucknut Radio Network. JP and I will break down the week’s action, look ahead to the December, and much more silly shenanigans.
