“Rampage Roundup” is a weekly feature at The Sunshine Skate to keep you in touch with your favorite future Panthers.
Summary:
The Rampage entered the AHL All-Star break with back-to-back losses to the Lake Erie Monsters. In their first matchup on Thursday, January 22nd, the loss was a 2–6 blowout.
The Rampage got on board first with a goal by Captain Greg Zanon, his first of the season, three minutes into the first period. The Monsters answered 20 seconds later with a goal of their own by Joey Hishon. Less than two minutes later, San Antonio reclaimed the lead with a goal from Corban Knight. However, the Monsters equalized once again, resulting in an eventful first 7 minutes of the game. Despite multiple powerplay opportunities in the second, the middle frame was scoreless thanks to Reto Berra. Despite an effective power kill and several great saves by Michael Houser, things fell apart for the Rampage in the third when the Monsters scored four unanswered goals, including two that were only five seconds apart.
The Rampage regrouped and returned to the ice two days later to face the Monsters with Dan Ellis in goal in a 2–3 overtime loss. The Monsters kicked off scoring in the first period with a goal by Dennis Everberg, who also scored two nights prior. After another scoreless second period, the Monsters took a 2–0 lead less than a minute into the final frame. Vincent Trocheck scored a power play goal a few minutes later to cut the lead in half. Garrett Wilson got the equalizer and his 15th goal of the season with less than four minutes to go, forcing overtime. However, the Monsters ended up with the win with a breakaway goal by Andrew Agozzino.
Impact Players:
Alex Petrovic had a big week, picking up an assist in each of the games against Lake Erie. He then travelled to Utica for the AHL All-Star game where he replaced Bobby Butler last minute. During the Skills Competition, he participated in the Breakaway Relay and the Hardest Shot, clocking in an impressive 100.8MPH shot. (The eventual winner was Colin Miller of the Manchester Monarchs at 105.5MPH). The All Star game also reunited Petrovic with Drew Shore, playing together on the Western Conference team, which ultimately won 14–12. Petrovic assisted on two goals, while former teammate Drew Shore picked up a goal and two assists. Earlier today, the Panthers recalled Petrovic from San Antonio so he should be ready to play in tomorrow night’s match up with Columbus.
With Shawn Thornton gearing up to return from injured reserve, all signs point to Trocheck remaining with the Rampage for the next little while, especially given his limited TOI with the Panthers. It’s a good move to give him more time to develop his game and play consistently, and he’s adjusted to the change easily, scoring a goal and picking up an assist during Saturday night’s game.
Upcoming games:
The Rampage return from the AHL break on Thursday, January 29th with a matchup against the Texas Stars in Cedar Park, followed by a visit from the Charlotte Checkers on Friday the 30th. They’ll face the Stars again two more times next week, splitting an away game on Tuesday followed by a home game next Thursday. The fifth ranked Rampage are tied with the Adirondack Flames with 50 points in the Western Conference with two games in hand; while their playoff spot isn’t under threat as of now, the Rampage will have to play more consistently to maintain their current rank.
Natalija can be reached for contact on Twitter.
