The San Antonio Rampage had the lead after forty minutes, but ended up dropping a 5-2 decision to the lame-duck Oklahoma City Barons last night in front of a meager crowd of 1,393 at the Cox Convention Center. The Barons’ 2 for 5 performance on the power play was a big key to the victory.
OKC defenseman Brad Hunt opened the scoring with a power-play goal at the 12:04 mark of the first period. Hunt’s marker was unassisted and came with Rocco Grimaldi in the penalty box for hooking.
it only took San Antonio a few minutes to tie the game. Vincent Trocheck got the goal, putting it in off the iron, with the assists going to Shane O’Brien and Garrett Wilson.
Grimaldi atoned for his first period penalty, giving the Rampage its only lead at 8:01 of the second stanza. Grimaldi’s first professional playoff goal was set up by Jonathan Racine and Quinton Howden.
The third period would belong to the home side, with the Barons scoring four goals while out-shooting the Rampage 15-6.
Joshua Winquist notched a power-play goal midway through the frame, with Greg Zanon serving a slashing minor, to even the game. Hunt and Andrew Miller picked up the helpers.
Ryan Hamilton bagged the game-winner, from Jason Williams, with 5:55 remaining in regulation after a Rampage turnover.
Connor Jones and Matthew Ford scored late empty-netters to ice the win for the Barons, who are moving to Bakersfield, CA after the playoffs.
Laurent Brossoit made 29 saves to get the win while Dan Ellis took the loss, turning aside 33 of the 36 shots he faced.
Game Two is Saturday night in Oklahoma City at 8 p.m. EST. You can listen on The Ticket 760 or watch it by subscribing to AHLLive.
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