AHL San Antonio Rampage

Rampage nipped by Manitoba, 3-2

March 19, 2008 - American Hockey League (AHL)
San Antonio Rampage News Release


WINNIPEG, Man. - The San Antonio Rampage dropped a tough 3-2 decision to the red-hot Manitoba Moose Wednesday at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg.

The Rampage (36-21-3-7) maintained their hold on second place with Rockford (82 points each), as the two look to gain home-ice advantage for a potential first-round playoff matchup. Manitoba won its seventh straight contest and extended its unbeaten streak to nine (8-0-0-1).

Manitoba scored first with a goal from defenseman Shaun Heshka at 10:20 on a patient power-play.

The Rampage drew even as Pete Vandermeer stretched his point streak to three games (one goal, two assists). With the man-advantage, Vandermeer camped in front of Manitoba netminder Cory Schneider and stuffed in the rebound off Ryan Caldwell's initial shot.

Forward Michael Grabner put Manitoba back on top with a tip-in off the right post in the final minute of the second period.

Manitoba extended its lead to 3-1 with a goal from center Brad Moran three minutes into the final period.

Mike Zigomanis gave the Rampage hope with a hustle-inspired score. Zigomanis kept the puck alive behind the Manitoba net, skated in front of Schneider and knocked through the rebound with 4:49 left to make it a one-goal game. He extended his point streak to six games (four goals, four assists) with his fifth marker of the year. He has scored 98 goals in the American Hockey League.

The teams combined for just 37 shots, with 19 fired by the Rampage. Al Montoya made 15 saves for the Rampage.

Brendan Bell and David Spina each extended their point streak to three games with an assist apiece. The helper was Bell's 100th as a member of the AHL. Spina tied a career-high by registering his 35th point (13 goals, 22 assists) this season, previously set last year while with Springfield.

The Rampage will go for revenge, and a franchise-high mark for victories in a season, when they face off with Manitoba again Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. in the finale of a six-game road trip.

The team will be back in San Antonio Saturday night against the first-place Chicago Wolves. The Rampage invite you and your dog to come see the action live on Pucks and Paws Night, presented by Pedigree. Lower-level seats can be purchased for $15 and dog tickets for just $5.

by Scott Strickman

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