AHL San Antonio Rampage

Rampage Snag a Point in 3-2 Shootout Loss to Quad City

February 17, 2008 - American Hockey League (AHL)
San Antonio Rampage News Release


MOLINE, Ill. - The San Antonio Rampage continue to make their ascent up the American Hockey League West Division.

Josh Tordjman made a season-high 40 saves for the Rampage in a 3-2 shootout loss at Quad City that brought them a win away from second place in the West Sunday night at the I Wireless Center.

The Rampage (29-15-3-7, 68 points) finished the last of three games in as many nights with another point, taking four of six over the weekend. Coupled with Rockford's 4-0 loss at Milwaukee, the Rampage find themselves a single win shy of second place.

The Rampage have gone 7-2-1-3 thus far on their 14-game road swing, taking 18 of a possible 26 points. They have tallied at least one standings point in 12 of their last 14 games, and 17 of 21 overall (12-4-1-4) to make their move in the standings.

With the score locked at 1-1, the Rampage killed off a Quad City 5-on-3 power-play that lasted over a minute and the ensuing one-man advantage in the waning moments of the second period. The Rampage then grabbed momentum with an unexpected score to take their first lead.

As Brendan Bell skated out on the penalty box to resume even-strength, the puck came sliding his way with nothing but ice separating him and goaltender Matt Keetley. Bell deked right, went left and wrapped the puck around a fallen Keetley with 22 ticks remaining for a 2-1 lead heading into the final period. Jon DiSalvatore made the heads-up pass to Bell, and was credited with the assist.

Eric Nystrom doubled his season total with his second goal of the night on a delayed penalty halfway through the final period. The score tied the game, 2-2, and would lead to sudden-death.

Each goaltender made fabulous saves near the conclusion of overtime to send the game to a shootout, where Quad City scored the only goal from the stick of Carsen Germyn for the 1-0 decision. The Rampage have seven shootout losses this season, tied with Lake Erie for most in the AHL.

Tordjman faced a season-high 42 shots on goal in his third consecutive shootout loss. However, he has not lost in regulation in seven straight starts (4-0-0-3), and 11 of 12 dating back to Dec. 29 (8-1-0-3). Tordjman has allowed three goals or less in 13 of 15 contests (9-2-1-3), and has made at least 33 saves in each of his past four.

Quad City took a 1-0 lead with a power-play goal marker Eric Nystrom 9:16 into the game.

Captain Bryan Helmer posted the equalizer later in the period with a goal on the man advantage. He scored with a shot through traffic that found the back left corner of the net at 13:52. The Rampage have scored on the power play in five straight games (8-25, 32.0%)

Bill Thomas had a chance to give the Rampage the lead when he was tripped up on a short-handed breakaway at 8:39 of the second period, but Matt Keetley snagged the ensuing penalty shot attempt. The Rampage have attempted all four of their penalty shots this season during the current 14-game road trip, converting one, and have stopped two opponent chances as well.

The Rampage are 4-1-0-1 in their first season playing against the Calgary Flames' affiliate and closed out the season unbeaten in Quad City, where they went 3-0-0-1.

After finishing last season with the fifth fewest wins in the AHL (32), the Rampage have the fifth least regulation losses this year (15) - just two seasons removed from owing the worst record in the league.

Coach Greg Ireland and the Rampage pay a visit to his former employer Tuesday night, when they play Grand Rapids at 6 p.m. in Van Andel Arena. Ireland spent three seasons at the helm with the Griffins, where he led the Detroit Red Wings' affiliate to the best record in the AHL two years ago.

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American Hockey League Stories from February 17, 2008


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