Rush Split Opening Weekend as Blaze Earn 5-2 Win
Published on October 20, 2012 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release
(Rapid City, SD) - The Rapid City Rush were dealt a 5-2 loss by the Bloomington Blaze at U.S. Cellular Coliseum on Saturday night. After a 5-4 win on Friday, the Rush exit the opening weekend series with a split. The Rush now head back to Rapid City to prepare for their 2012-13 home opener against the Denver Cutthroats. The game is set for Friday, October 26th at 7:05pm and limited tickets are still available by calling 716-7825 or online at gotmine.com.
The opening period was evenly matched as both sides had a fair amount of chances, but only the Blaze were able to convert. While on the powerplay, Nicklas Lindberg sped down the left wing side and rifled a shot to the top shelf, short side.
The second stanza was all Bloomington as the Blaze outshot the Rush 17-9 and collected three goals to put the game away. The first came just 1:39 into the period on a shot from the left side of the net by Travis Granbois that eventually trickled past Neil Conway to double the lead. Later, after a scrum in the corner, Ryan Palmer was set up in the low slot for a golden opportunity that he capitalized on at the 6:12 mark. Finally, a giveaway behind the Rush net led to a point-blank chance for Nicklas Lindberg who collected his second of the game by snapping a wrist shot off the left post and in.
The Rush received a breath of life one minute into the third period when Jarret Konkle snapped a wrist shot from the top of the slot that beat Pelletier for his first goal of the season. The Blaze regained the four-goal advantage, getting a second goal from Travis Granbois who was fresh out of the penalty box. Finally, a crisp pass by John Snowden set up Damian Surma at the left circle for his second goal of the weekend, and to bring the game to its 5-2 final.
The difference in the game was the special teams battle as the Blaze stifled all six powerplay chances by the Rush while going 2-for-5 on the man advantage themselves.
Central Hockey League Stories from October 20, 2012
- Oilers Fall 8-2 as Thunder Offense Explodes - Tulsa Oilers
- Cutthroats Fall 8-5 to Missouri Mavericks - Denver Cutthroats
- Mavericks Explode for Eight Goals in 8-5 Win over Denver - Kansas City Mavericks
- Rush To Unveil Two New Big Names at First Coaches Show of Season Set for Monday @ 6pm at Boston's Re - Rapid City Rush
- Rush Split Opening Weekend as Blaze Earn 5-2 Win - Rapid City Rush
- Thunder Overwhelm Oilers with Five-Goal Second Period - Wichita Thunder
- Blaze Bounce Back with Win over Rush - Bloomington Blaze
- Oilers Outlast Thunder for Season Opening Win - Tulsa Oilers
- Cutthroats Win Opener against Missouri, 4-3 in OT - Denver Cutthroats
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