Rush Penalty Kill Dominates in 3-2 Come-From-Behind Win, Forcing Deciding Game #7
May 10, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release
(Loveland, CO) - With the season on the line and in a 2-0 hole, the Rapid City Rush netted three unanswered goals to earn a 3-2 victory over the Colorado Eagles in game #6 of the Turner Conference Finals. With the win, the Rush now force a deciding game #7 at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, set for this Wednesday at 6:35pm. Rapid City's penalty kill led the way, stopping all nine chances by the Eagles, including a combined three minutes and eleven seconds worth of 5-on-3. Les Reaney now leads all playoff skaters with 20 points after collecting a goal and an assist.
Colorado started the contest off on the right foot, collecting the opening goal at the 6:09 mark. After an offensive zone faceoff win, Kyle Peto sent a slap shot to the left side of the net that was redirected home by Scott May. May's fifth goal of the postseason served as the only goal of the first period, giving the Eagles a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes.
With the Rush on the powerplay nine minutes into the second period, May struck again while on a partial break, snapping shot through the pads of Tim Boron, giving Colorado a 2-0 cushion. Rapid City's powerplay responded when Gio Flamminio flicked a wrist shot from the high slot that made its way past a screened Andrew Penner. After 40 minutes of action, Colorado held a 2-1 lead despite Rapid City holding a 26-20 shot advantage.
With a carry-over penalty on Scott Wray and delay of game called on newcomer Dan MacIntyre at the 20:00 mark of the second period, the Eagles began the final frame with a two-man advantage for 1:11. Not only did the Rush penalty kill answer the call, but Les Reaney backhanded home the first-ever two-man shorthanded goal in team history, evening the game 2-2. Then with 8:35 remaining in regulation, Derek LeBlanc slapped a rocket from the top of the right circle the beat Penner over the glove, giving the Rush their first lead of the game. Amateur Dan MacIntyre, who arrived to the BEC during the 2nd period, assisted on the eventual game-winner. Rapid City faced one final powerplay chance from the Eagles, but the Rush held on for the 3-2 victory.
Tim Boron turned aside 24 shots for his 6th win of the playoffs, while Andrew Penner was dealt just his 2nd loss.
The Rush penalty kill finished the night 9-for-9 and has now stifled the last 20 chances by Colorado.
The Rush and Eagles now clash in a deciding game #7 set for Wednesday at 6:35pm at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. Tickets are still available.
Other Rush News:
Playoff tickets for the 2011 postseason are now available. To purchase, call the Rush office at 716-7825.
Stay informed on Rush happenings through the official Rapid City Rush team website, www.RapidCityRush.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from May 10, 2011
- Stanley Cup Watch Parties at Buffalo Wild Wings - Tulsa Oilers
- Sundogs Return Luke Erickson for 2011-12 Season - Arizona Sundogs
- Turner Conference Champion to be Crowned Wednesday - Rapid City Rush
- Rush Penalty Kill Dominates in 3-2 Come-From-Behind Win, Forcing Deciding Game #7 - Rapid City Rush
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