Moose clash with Rampage

For the first time this season, the San Antonio Rampage (21-27-4-1) charge into MTS Centre at 7 p.m. CT tonight as they open a two-game weekend set with the Manitoba Moose (19-27-3-4).

Last Game
Manitoba last played on Wednesday night when they closed out a series with the Rockford IceHogs. It was a defensive battle to say the least - a shootout was needed to break a 0-0 tie. Rockford’s Spencer Abbott was the only player to find twine as the IceHogs went home with a 1-0 win. Both goaltenders were credited with shutouts. Manitoba’s Eric Comrie made 26 saves in his eighth straight start.

Flash Back
The next two games are the final contests between the Rampage and Moose. Manitoba got the season series off to a good start on Jan. 20, registering a 2-0 win. The next night was a different story as San Antonio out paced Manitoba, 4-2. A trio of Manitoba players picked up a pair of points during the first two games – Dan De Salvo (0G, 2A), Kevin Czuczman (1G, 1A) and Jack Roslovic (1G, 1A).

Stopping Pucks
Eric Comrie set a new career high with his second shutout of the season against Rockford on Wednesday. The goaltender hasn't been far off adding to that total this season, allowing just one goal eight times on the campaign. The loss against Rockford was Comrie's second time going past regulation with a goose-egg on the board, the previous a 1-0 loss to Iowa on Nov. 22. One of Comrie's two shutouts this season came against San Antonio Jan. 20.

Reunion Tour
This week is something of a 'class reunion' for Kyle Connor. The rookie forward faced off against former University of Michigan linemate Tyler Motte when Rockford was in town on Wednesday. Connor matches up against the third member of the dynamic C-C-M line, J.T. Compher, this weekend with the Rampage. The trio posted a staggering 190 points, including 83 goals, at the University of Michigan last season. Connor led the way with 71 points (35G, 36A). This season, Compher leads the crew with 28 points (13G, 15A) in the AHL.

San Antonio’s Story
The Rampage are in the midst of a month where all but one game is on the road – and it hasn’t been kind. San Antonio is 0-6-0-1 in their last seven games and sits eighth in the Pacific Division. Scoring goals has been a battle for the Colorado Avalanche affiliate who average 2.47 goals per game and have the 28^th ranked powerplay at 14.1 per cent. Rocco Grimaldi leads the offence, pacing San Antonio with 37 points (20G, 17A) in 52 games. Goaltender Spencer Martin has carried the load between the pipes this season. In 32 appearances he carries a 3.03 GAA and .902 SV percentage.

What’s Next?
The Moose close out their four-game home stand on Sunday afternoon in a rematch against the San Antonio Rampage. Puck drop is set for 2 p.m. CT. Fans will want to stay after the game too, as it’s the final Manitoba Moose autograph alley of the season. For tickets to all Manitoba Moose home games, visit moosehockey.com/tickets.