Menei Lifts Rush to 3-2 Overtime Victory
Published on December 21, 2010 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release
(Rapid City, SD) - In front of a sold out crowd at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, the Rapid City Rush earned a dramatic, 3-2 overtime victory over the Arizona Sundogs on Tuesday night. Ryan Menei provided a pair of goals, including the game-winner while goaltender Danny Battochio celebrated his 25th birthday by picking up his league-leading 13th win of the season. The Rush are now off until a December 26th meeting with the Colorado Eagles at 6:05pm at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. Tickets are still available for that game.
On the first powerplay of the game, the Rush allowed their eighth shorthanded goal of the season. Scoring the only goal of the period was Kyle Hood who took advantage of two neutral zone turnovers by the Rush, capping a breakaway chance with a backhand past Battochio.
The Rush were unable to get much going against the stingy defense of the Sundogs, but a pair of 5-on-3 opportunities turned the tide. Scoring his team-leading seventeenth goal of the season was Ryan Menei who had his centering attempt glace off of a Sundog skate and past Szuper. Just 1:29 later, the Rush would strike again, this time with a one-man advantage. Vladimir Hartinger slid a pass along the top of the left circle where Grant Farrell blasted a one-timer to the top-right corner, giving the Rush a 2-1 lead.
The third period remained quiet until the Sundogs forced overtime on a goal with six minutes left in regulation. As the Sundogs poured into the Rush zone Joey Sides received a drop pass and snapped home the equalizer from the center hash marks.
Just 35 seconds into overtime, the Rush received a powerplay chance and needed just 21 seconds to convert for the game-winner. Brendon Hodge unloaded a slapshot from the high slot that rang off the goal post and ricocheted to the side of the net for Menei who tucked it home for the 3-2 victory.
The Rush special teams played a key role, shutting down the Sundogs powerplay on all six chances while picking up all three goals while on the powerplay.
The Rush have now won seven of their last nine games and maintain a three-point lead in the Turner Conference standings.
Other Rush News:
Tickets for the 2010 - 11 Rush hockey season are on sale now. For more information, contact the Rush office at 605.716.PUCK (7825) or email tickets@rapidcityrush.com
Stay informed on Rush happenings through the official Rapid City Rush team website, www.RapidCityRush.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from December 21, 2010
- Menei Lifts Rush to 3-2 Overtime Victory - Rapid City Rush
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- PrairieThunder Lose in Memphis 4-1 on Tuesday Night - Bloomington PrairieThunder
- Dayton's Jeff Jakaitis Named Oakley CHL Goaltender of the Week - CHL
- Jakaitis Wins Oakley CHL Goalie of the Week Award - Dayton Gems
- PrairieThunder this Week - Bloomington PrairieThunder
- Rush Return Home on Two for Tuesday, Tonight at the Civic Center - Rapid City Rush
- Americans, 'Bugs Clash Tonight in Allen - Allen Americans
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