Ed. Note: This article originally claimed the Norfolk Admirals as Saturday’s opponent, when in fact it was the Milwaukee variant. Thanks to all who pointed out the mistake, which was entirely my own fault during pre-publication prep. In any event, what’s with allowing two clubs in the same league to share a nickname? – Donny
It wasn’t flashy, but Florida’s prospects got it done. While San Antonio’s offense was outshot and retained a still-awful powerplay, the Rampage played to their strengths from last season: defense and goaltending. The only goal of the game came in the first period courtesy of Jared Gomes, in his first career AHL game, on his first AHL shot, and on his 24th birthday. James Wright and Eric Selleck (pictured above in – you guessed it – FLA garb) were credited with assists.
The rest of the game was a battle between netminder Dov Grumet-Morris and Admirals goalie Jeremy Smith, who had never lost to the Rampage, and hadn’t allowed more than one goal against them (the latter remains true after the game). San Antonio shot totals dropped from period-to-period, going from nine in the first (tied with the Admirals as the Rampage had three powerplays in the period) to seven, and only three in the final period (two powerplay opportunities), but the defense didn’t allow Milwaukee to control the puck as much as Friday, and limited them to only 25 shots.
- San Antonio’s powerplay was 0-for-5, and didn’t record any shots on their fifth and final man-advantage. Funny thing is, the Rampage have a better powerplay than the Barons. Granted, it’s a small sample size, but interesting.
- Only goal of the game? Jared Gomes, and it almost wasn’t a goal at all. The call on the ice was of the no-goal variety yet thanks to new AHL rules – which added video replay – the call was reversed./
From the ECHL:
The Cincinnati Cyclones – Florida’s ECHL affiliate – defeated the Trenton Titans 6-4. Brian Foster played 20 minutes, replacing Zoltan Hetenyi. Foster allowed one goal on 10 shots (.900 Sv%). Garret Wilson scored the opening goal in the first period, with David Pacan netting one of the assists. Pacan would get another assist, and score his first goal in the third, which was assisted by Josh Birkholz.
Next Up for San Antonio:
The Rampage travel to Rockford, Illinois to face the IceHogs, affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks, on Thursday.