ECHL Rapid City Rush

Rush fall in power-play-filled affair

Published on January 10, 2015 under ECHL (ECHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release


(RAPID CITY, SD) - In a game where the man-advantage reigned supreme, the Tulsa Oilers literally powered themselves to a 5-3 win over the Rapid City Rush a rubber match concluding a string of five consecutive matchups between the Central Division Rivals.

The Oilers started the scoring entries early three games in a row, with special teams leading the way. On the first Tulsa power play of the game, Jon Booras tipped a Dave Pszenyczny shot past Rush net-minder John Griggs to help the visiting side to a 1-0 lead at the 4:24 mark of the opening frame. Exactly five minutes later, on the second man-advantage for the Oilers, Ricards Birzinsh sprung T.J. Caig on a breakaway with a crisp pass from his goal line all the way to the Rush blue line. Caig had no resistance, and ripped a shot past Griggs to double the visitors lead to 2-0. The Rush would counter back with a power play of their own within the last five minutes of the period, as Cody Ferriero slammed a bouncing puck past Tulsa goaltender Kevin Carr to cut the deficit in half at 2-1 heading into the second.

The third Oilers power play of the game came within the first minute of the second, and for the third time in a row, the man-advantage unit found the twine behind Griggs. Fifty-five seconds into the period, 20 into the power play, Jon Booras deflected another shot into the Rush net, his second of the night, to re-establish the Oilers two-goal lead at 3-1. Eventually, the Rush fought back during even strength hockey, and quickly narrowed the gap. At the 2:34 mark of the middle act, Jonathan Narbonne blocked a shot in front of the Rush net, eventually starting a rush led by Johan Ryd. Ryd connected with Patrick Cullen, who finished with a backhander over Carr's shoulder for his first goal as a Rush forward, cutting the deficit to 3-2. Exactly 1:40 later Jesse Schultz made no mistake with an open rebound off of a Cody Ferriero back-hander, locking the scoreboard at 3-3, but the Oilers would soon strike with even numbers. After a neutral zone turnover by the Rush, Drew Fisher of the Oilers had a shot deflected into the air, only to bounce off of Adam Pleskach's skate and past Griggs, repossessing the lead with 5:07 left in the second period. Pleskach's goal held true as the difference in the game, and when fortified by Matt Larke's empty-netter with 45 seconds left in the game, helped push the Oilers to an eventual 5-3 win.

John Griggs falls for the first time as the net-minder for the Rush (1-1-0, 4-3-0 overall). Rush Captain Daniel Tetrault played in his 900th game as a professional hockey player, and recorded an assist in his milestone game. Ultimately, Tulsa finished 3-for-6 on the man-advantage, and a total of 14 power plays were awarded between both sides.

The Rush regroup and head back on the road this weekend to begin a set that takes them to the Midwest, starting with a showdown against the Quad City Mallards at the iWireless Center on January 16th at 6:05 p.m. MST.

Check out the Rapid City Rush Statistics

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ECHL Stories from January 10, 2015


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