CHL Kansas City Mavericks

Mavericks Lose Tight One In Game 2, 2-1 To Rush

Published on March 29, 2010 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Kansas City Mavericks News Release


INDEPENDENCE, Missouri - The Missouri Mavericks lost 2-1 to the Rapid City Rush Sunday night in Game 2 of the Northern Conference Semifinals at Independence Events Center. The Rush took a 2-0 series lead, and the teams will head to Rapid City for Games 3, 4 and 5 (if necessary). Rush goaltender Danny Battochio stopped 38 of 39 shots for his second straight win, and Scott Wray's third period power play goal proved to be the difference in the game. Mavericks' forward Bill Vandermeer scored the lone goal for Missouri who will need to win two games in Rapid City to get the series back to Independence Events Center.

For the second straight night, the Mavericks forced the pace early in the game and earned the first two power plays. Missouri was unable to convert on either chance, but the Mavs also held Rapid City without a shot on goal for the first 8:15 of the period. Missouri outshot the Rush 10-3 through the first 20 minutes, but neither team was able to light the lamp.

Les Reaney gave the Rush a 1-0 lead at 8:01 of the second period when he picked up a loose puck and put it past Mavericks' goaltender Gerry Festa. Luke Fritshaw earned the assist on the play and the Rush had the opening goal for the second straight night.

The Mavericks tied the game at the 14:56 mark of the second period on a nice individual effort by Vandermeer. The Mavericks' forward came into the zone along the left wing, got around his defender and snuck the puck past Battochio along the near side. Jeff Christian and Jordan Foreman earned assists on the play and the game remained tied after two periods.

Rapid City earned a power play early in the third period and Wray unlocked the 1-1 tie on a partial breakaway as he lifted his shot over the shoulder of Festa. Missouri peppered Battochio with 17 shots in the final period, but the Rush goaltender was equal to the task. Rapid City killed all three of the Mavericks' power play chances in the third, and Missouri finished 0 for 7 with the man advantage. The Mavericks pulled Festa in favor of an extra attacker in the final minutes, but couldn't get another puck through Battochio.

Festa finished with 23 saves on 25 shots for Missouri in his first playoff start. Rapid City was 1 for 3 on the power play marking the second straight game the Rush have scored a power play goal.

Missouri will look to rebound Wednesday night, March 31 in Game 3 starting at 7:35 p.m. CDT. Tune in live to all the action on KCWJ 1030-am or listen live online via www.MissouriMavericks.com.

Northern Conference Semifinal - Series "E" (best-of-7)

Missouri Mavericks vs. Rapid City Rush

Rapid City Leads 2-0

Game 1 - Sat., Mar. 27 - Rapid City 5 - Missouri 1

sGame 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, Independence Events Center, 7:05

*Game 7 - Wed., Apr. 7 - Missouri at Rapid City, 6:35

*if necessary, All Times Local

Should the series return to Missouri for Game 6, tickets are available and start at only $14. Visit the Independence Events Center Box Office, call (866) 443-8849, or go online to www.GetTIX.net. At this time only credit card purchases will be allowed for this game, and should Game 6 not be played, all credit cards will be refunded less any applicable service fees.

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Central Hockey League Stories from March 29, 2010


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