Four-Goal Third Period Gives Rush First Playoff Win 5-1
March 27, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release
(Independence, MO) - On Saturday night, in the first playoff game for the young franchise, the Rapid City Rush topped the Missouri Mavericks 5-1 in game one of the Northern Conference Semifinals. With strong goaltending from both sides, the two teams combined for just one goal through 40 minutes before exploding for five in the third period. The Rush won the special teams battle, going 1-for-2 on the man advantage while stopping all three of the Mavs chances. Jon Pelle netted two goals while Les Reaney added three assists as the Rush lead the best-of-7 series 1-0.
Despite a combined 26 shots on net and three powerplay chances, neither team found the twine in the opening period, due in large part to the stellar play by netminders Danny Battochio and Charlie Effinger.
The scoreless tie was finally broken at the 11:11 mark of the second period, and it was Jon Pelle who scored the first ever playoff goal for the Rapid City Rush. Les Reaney stepped into the offensive end and undressed a Mavs defender before sending a pass to Jon Pelle in front of the net. After a redirection and the first rebounds were stopped, Pelle eventually tipped the puck home for the 1-0 lead. The Rush continued the pressure and Les Reaney was even dealt a penalty shot, but strong play from Effinger kept the Mavs within one heading into the final stanza.
The Rush offense would finally get to Effinger beginning at the 5:11 mark of the third. Reaney streaked down the left side and slid a pass across the slot where Scott wray sent home the eventual game-winner. Then at the 12:53 mark, the Rush would add to their lead as Brendan Cook roofed a rebound while on the powerplay for the 3-0 lead. The Mavericks would finally get on the board as an unconventional play paid off for Head Coach Scott Hillman. With nearly five minutes left in regulation, Effinger was pulled and Missouri's Brett Hammond slid a backhander home with the extra attacker out to make it 3-1. That was all the momentum the Mavs would get as just 52 seconds later, Rich Hansen found a wide open Derek LeBlanc and the winger snapped a shot past the blocker to regain the three-goal advantage. With under three minutes left, the Mavs pulled their goaltender again, but this time it was the Rush who capitalized when Pelle netted his second of the game to seal the 5-1 win.
Rookie Danny Battochio made 34 saves to pick up his first postseason victory while Charlie Effinger stopped 38 shots in the loss.
The Rush and Mavericks clash again tomorrow at 6:05 MST in game #2 of the Northern Conference Semifinals.
The entire series schedule is as follows:
Northern Conference Semifinal - Series "E" (best-of-7)
Rapid City Rush vs. Missouri Mavericks
Game 1 - Sat., Mar. 27 - Rapid City at Missouri, 7:05
Game 2 - Sun., Mar. 28 - Rapid City at Missouri, 7:05
Game 3 - Wed., Mar. 31 - Missouri at Rapid City, 6:35
Game 4 - Fri., Apr. 2 - Missouri at Rapid City, 7:05
*Game 5 - Sat., Apr. 3 - Missouri at Rapid City, 7:05
*Game 6 - Mon., Apr. 5 - Rapid City at Missouri, 7:05
*Game 7 - Wed., Apr. 7 - Missouri at Rapid City, 6:35
*if necessary
All Times Local
Tickets are on sale now for the contests on March 31st, April 2nd and April 3rd. Contact the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center at 1-800-GOT-MINE or gotmine.com. Playoff packages and discounted group rates are available through the Rush office at 605-716-PUCK (7825).
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