Rush Dealt First Regulation Loss of Season, Drop 3-2 Decision in Fort Wayne
November 4, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release
(Fort Wayne, IN) - For the first time in the young 2011-12 season, the Rapid City Rush didn't win the special teams battle on Friday night, and they paid with their first regulation loss of the season. The Rush kicked off a four-game road trip with a tilt against the Fort Wayne Komets at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum on Friday night, falling by a 3-2 score. The Rush now head to Bloomington to face the Blaze tomorrow at 6pm MST. The game can be heard live on 100.3FM the FOX.
Using the momentum from the home crowd, the Komets controlled the tempo in the early going, outshooting the Rush 16-4 in the first period. All of the pressure led to a goal that gave the Komets a 1-0 lead and finally ended Rapid City's perfect penalty kill run. Jamie Milam's neutral zone pass allowed Jesse Bennefield to stride over the middle of the Rush blueline and snap a wrist shot through a screen and past Danny Battochio. However, Battochio made a total of 15 saves in the period, including the denial of a Bobby Chaumont breakaway late in the frame.
Only 2:50 into the second period, the Komets doubled the lead when Leo Thomas caught the Rush defense napping, streaking down the right wing side and backhanding a shot home. With just over three minutes left in the frame, Fort Wayne would get another powerplay goal, this one from veteran Colin Chaulk. The center blasted a slapshot from the top of the left circle that made its way through a screen and just inside the right post for a 3-0 lead.
The Rush were able to turn the tide in the third period, nearly tripling the Komets in shots, 14-5. With less than four minutes remaining in regulation, the Rush received a powerplay goal from Jeff Kyrzakos who fired a one-timer in from the top of the left circle, set up by defenseman Carl Hudson. In the final two minutes, the Rush pulled Battochio in favor of an extra attacker, and the gamble paid off initially. With 1:21 left, a scramble in front of the Komet goal led to numerous whacks at the puck, with one attempt from Jesse Schultz finally skipping over goaltender Nick Boucher and into the net, making it a 3-2 game. The Rush made a valiant effort in the final minutes, attacking the net from all angles, but Fort Wayne was able to hold on for the victory.
After going a perfect 18-for-18 through the first four games, the Rush penalty kill allowed two goals on three chances against, while the powerplay ended the night 1-for-5.
Other Rush News:
Season tickets for the 2011-12 season start at $412 and are available by calling (605) 716-PUCK (7825). Season ticket holders will receive complimentary tickets to both Rush preseason games as well as numerous other exclusive benefits.
Stay informed on Rush happenings through the official Rapid City Rush team website, www.RapidCityRush.com .
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