Reaney the Hero Again as Rush Take Game One 5-4 in Overtime
Published on April 11, 2010 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release
(Rapid City, SD) - Eight days ago, Les Reaney scored in overtime to secure a sweep of the Missouri Mavericks in the Northern Conference Semifinals. Reaney struck again tonight, this time it was a 5-4 overtime win over the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs in game one of the Conference Finals. The contest featured four ties and three lead changes, culminating in Reaney's overtime game-winner just over five minutes into the first overtime, handing the Mudbugs their first loss of the playoffs. Both Reaney and Wray paced all skaters with three point outings, while former Rush defenseman Clay Plume netted a pair against his former squad.
It was the perfect start to the series for the Rush as they were able to score the first goal of the series just 28 seconds in. Jamie VanderVeeken's shot was deflected in front by Jon Pelle and after Ken Carroll made the initial stop, Derek LeBlanc one-handed the rebound home. The Mudbugs had an answer while on their first powerplay of the game when a bounce off the glass found its way to the front of the net and Joe Ori was there to convert. The opening period ended with a 1-1 score despite the Rush having a 13-4 advantage in shots.
The Rush would collect the lone goal of the second period when Derek Campbell scored his first point of the postseason. Defenseman Gio Flamminio sent a head-man pass to Campbell who raced in alone and fired a wrist shot off the post and in to make it a 2-1 game.
The two teams would then open up the offense in the final period, combining for five goals, the first coming at 2:50. The Mudbugs were able to get speed into the offensive end and joining the attack was defenseman Clay Plume who sent a shot home on the short side. Rapid City had a quick response as Scott Wray slid a shot five-hole to regain the lead just 18 seconds later. The âBugs would come back with a pair of goals, the first coming from Simon Mangos on the powerplay at 8:44 to tie the game at 3. Then Plume would strike again, earning his first multi-point effort of the season when a slapshot found its way through a screen to give Bossier-Shreveport its first lead of the game. Continuing the back-and-forth trend, Wray knotted the game again, this time by following his own play and sliding home a rebound with under 4 minutes left in regulation. At the end of 60 minutes, the Rush had a 42-22 advantage in shots.
For the second straight contest, the Rush were headed into extra time and for the third straight game, Les Reaney would score the game-winner. At the 5:06 mark, Wray slid a pass in front and when Brendan Cook's shot was stopped by Carroll, Reaney was there to backhand his second straight overtime winner.
The Rush now have a 1-0 lead in the Northern Conference Finals and will take on the Mudbugs in game #2 tomorrow at 5:05pm. Tickets are still available for the game.
The entire series schedule is as follows:
Northern Conference Finals - Series "G" (best-of-7) Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs vs. Rapid City Rush
Game 1 - Sat., Apr. 10- Bossier-Shreveport at Rapid City (Rush OTW 5-4, Lead Series 1-0) Game 2 - Sun., Apr. 11 - Bossier-Shreveport at Rapid City, 5:05 PM Game 3 - Wed., Apr. 14 - Rapid City at Bossier-Shreveport, 7:05 PM Game 4 - Fri., Apr. 16 - Rapid City at Bossier-Shreveport, 7:05 PM *Game 5 - Sat., Apr. 17 - Rapid City at Bossier-Shreveport, 7:05 PM *Game 6 - Tue., Apr. 20 - Bossier-Shreveport at Rapid City, 6:35 PM *Game 7 - Wed., Apr. 21 - Bossier-Shreveport at Rapid City, 6:35 PM
*if necessary All Times Local
Tickets are on sale now. 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).
Central Hockey League Stories from April 11, 2010
- Comeback Falls Short As Mudbugs Take Game Two, 4-3 - Rapid City Rush
- Mudbugs Even Series With Game 2 Win - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Reaney the Hero Again as Rush Take Game One 5-4 in Overtime - Rapid City Rush
- Rush Take Game 1 in Overtime - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Americans fall 3-2 in OT to Odessa, series tied 1-1 - Allen Americans
- Jacks Tie Series on Pierce's Overtime Winner - Odessa Jackalopes
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
