Rush Finally Win In Overtime To Top Rage 5-4
January 5, 2009 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release
(Rapid City, SD) - The Rapid City Rush had gone to extra time on seven occasions this season, each time falling short of gaining the extra point. As the Rage tied the game with just 32 seconds left to send the contest into overtime, the Rush finally answered the call in the extra period as they prevailed 5-4.
Rocky Mountain was able to get on the board first as Simon Watson scored his fourth of the season at the 9:43mark of the period. Watson's goal was set up by a centering pass from Domenic Maiani while the second assist went to Scott Wray. It took some time, but the Rush were able to answer at the 17:53 mark as Chris Lipsett found the back of the net with Kyle Sheen and Blaine Jarvis adding the helpers. The first period would end tied 1-1 while the Rage held the edge in shots 14-8. Each team was held scoreless on two powerplay chances, including 1:50 worth of 5-on-3 for Rapid City.
The middle frame saw the Rush take their first lead of the game as Derek LeBlanc one-handed a rebound in at the 4:50 mark with Rich Hansen and Jon Pelle assisting on the play. It took the Rage 34 seconds to answer as Colt King put in a rebound of his own to tie the game at two.
Nathan O'Nabigon then put the Rage up for the second time in the game as he fired a wrist shot off of the crossbar and in for the go-ahead goal at the 9:56 mark. Seven minutes later, Lipsett added his second of the game to even the score at 3-3. Lipsett's goal was a shorthanded tally assisted by Chris Di Ubaldo and Eric Nelson. At the end of two periods, the Rush and Rage were tied at 3 apiece.
In the final period Rapid City received a go-ahead goal just 2:38 into the period as Joey Olson scored his first for the Rush. Assisting on the play was Hansen who fed the puck out from behind the net to set up Olson. It looked like the Rush were coming away with the victory in regulation, but the Rage had different plans. With 1:26 left in the game, the Rage pulled netminder Scott Reid for the extra attacker, and the gamble paid off as Tyler Butler's slapshot beat Miguel Beaudry for the equalizer with just 32 seconds left. The Rush and Rage were headed into extra time for the 3rd time this season.
Extra time had not been kind to the Rush all season as Rapid City has lost 2 games in overtime, 5 in the shootout. That includes one overtime loss and one shootout loss to the Rage. However Rapid City received OT heroics from Derek LeBlanc who score3d his second of the game and 11th of the season just 1:58 into overtime. Blaine Jarvis' faceoff win set up LeBlanc who sent a wristshot 5-hole past Reid for the game-winner.The Rush have now won 3 of their last 4.
The Rapid City Rush now move to 11-13-7, 4 points behind Rocky Mountain for second place and the 5th and final playoff spot in the Northern Conference.
The Rapid City Rush now take on division rival, the Colorado Eagles on Wednesday night at 7:05pm at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Ice Arena. Tickets are still available for purchase at 1-800-GOTMINE or gotmine.com.
Other Rush News:
The Rapid City Rush would like to invite fans to "The Rush Hour with Coach Joe Ferras" live at Boston's every Tuesday at 7pm. Weekly giveaways include signed, game-used sticks, signed pucks and Miller Light gear.
For more information on Rapid City Rush Hockey, log onto www.RapidCityRush.com or contact the Rush office at 605.716.PUCK (7825).
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