Moose look for sweep in San Antonio
By: Manitoba Moose Staff | Published: January 21st 2017
The Manitoba Moose (16-18-3-2) close out a two-game set with the San Antonino Rampage (16-20-4-0) tonight at 7:00 p.m. at the AT&T Center as the Moose look for their second straight win.
Last Game
After falling to Texas earlier in the week, Manitoba hoped for a bounce back effort against San Antonio on Friday night (Jan. 20). Manitoba opened the scoring for in the second period when Jack Roslovic changed gears and burned wide on the Rampage defence before tucking a perfect shot into the top corner for his ninth of the season. The Moose were strong defensively all game, killing off four powerplays and held San Antonio to 25 shots on goal. The Moose added to their lead late in the third when Chase De Leo slid home his ninth of the season. Eric Comrie made all 25 saves as the Moose shutout the Rampage 2-0.
Flash Back
While the Moose struggled to consistently find the win column during the 2015-16 season, Manitoba had no trouble against the Rampage. The Moose went 4-0 last season against San Antonio including 3-0 shutout triumph in Texas on Mar. 4. Moose defender Brendan Kichton found the scoresheet numerous times against the Colorado Avalanche affiliate, picking up five assists in four games.
De Leo heating up
Chase De Leo’s goal on Friday was his ninth marker and 20th point (9G, 11A) of the season. While his start to the season was slower, he has picked up the offensive production in the New Year - registering eight points (4G, 4A) in his last 12 games. The La Mirada, CA product has been found the scoresheet against Pacific Division teams this year, picking up nine points (4G, 5A) in 11 games. Look for De Leo to be buzzing tonight if these trends continue to prove true.
San Antonio’s Story
The Rampage come into tonight’s game losers of six straight and sitting in last spot in the Pacific Division. San Antonio has had problems finding the back of the net this season, only averaging 2.4 goals per game and have only scored nine goals in their last six games. Despite their low offensive numbers, San Antonio has been good on the penalty kill this season – ranking fifth in the league at 84.3 per cent. Two players the Moose will need to keep an eye on are A.J. Greer and Rocco Grimaldi. Greer leads the team with 29 points (11G, 18A) while Grimaldi is right behind him with 28 (12G, 16A). Manitoba will hope to take advantage of goaltending tandem who have one win combined this season.
What’s Next?
Manitoba will enjoy a day off in the Lone Star State on Sunday before practising on Monday. The Moose then head back to Cedar Park, Texas for another game against the Texas Stars on Tuesday (Jan. 24) at 7:30 p.m. CT. You can listen to all Manitoba Moose home games live on moosehockey.com/listenlive. Make sure to tune in 15 mins before the game to hear the pre-game show with Mitch Peacock where he will break down the matchup and have all the latest in Moose news.
