Rush Top Mavs 4-1, Take Commanding 3-0 Lead in Series
Published on March 31, 2010 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release
(Rapid City, SD) - Wednesday night marked the first playoff game at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center and the home team did not disappoint as the Rapid City Rush picked up a 4-1 victory over the Missouri Mavericks. The Rush now have a firm three games to zero grip on the Northern Conference Semifinals best-of-7 series. Goaltender Danny Battochio continued his strong play, stopping 29 shots and allowing just one goal while Blaine Jarvis picked up a pair of points, the first of his young career.
Despite being outshot 14-8 in the opening frame, the Rush weathered the storm as neither team lit the lamp in the opening frame.
The scoring opened up for both sides in the second period, beginning with the Mavericks scoring their first powerplay goal and taking their first lead of the series. Brett Hammond accepted a stretch pass and was able to beat the defense as well as a Battochio poke check attempt for the game's first goal. The Rush would then come storming back with a flurry of three goals exactly two minutes apart. It started with a the first shorthanded goal of the season from Jon Pelle who was able to move past a Mavs defender before beating Charlie Effinger with a move to the backhand. Just 59 seconds later, Les Reaney was able to poke home a loose puck after a scramble at the top of the crease to give the Rush a 2-1 lead. Then 1:01 later, the Rush took a 3-1 lead when Luke Fritshaw's end-to-end rush resulted in Rich Hansen tipping the puck home for his first goal of the playoffs.
In what has become a trend, the Rush controlled the third period, outshooting the Mavericks 15-6 and staying strong on the defensive end. The Rush also received an insurance goal from Blaine Jarvis, the first playoff goal of his career. After being stifled on their first attempt, Colt King and Jarvis reentered the offensive end on a Rush and when King's shot was stopped, the rebound was sent home by Jarvis for the 4-1 lead.
For the first time in the series, the Mavs won the special teams battle, scoring a powerplay goal on six chances while stopping the Rush powerplay on two attempts. Charlie Effinger 32 saves on the night, but with the loss, moves to 2-3. On the other end, Danny Battochio faced 30 shots and stopped 29 of them for his third postseason win.
The Rush now look to close out the Northern Conference Finals on Friday at 7:05pm. Tickets are still available for that game and fans are encouraged to participate in the "white out".
The entire series schedule is as follows:
Northern Conference Semifinal - Series "E" (best-of-7)
Rapid City Rush vs. Missouri Mavericks
Game 1 - Sat., Mar. 27 - Rapid City at Missouri (Rush W 5-1, Lead Series 1-0)
Game 2 - Sun., Mar. 28 - Rapid City at Missouri (Rush W 2-1, Lead Series 2-0)
Game 3 - Wed., Mar. 31 - Missouri at Rapid City (Rush W 4-1. Lead Series 3-0)
Game 4 - Fri., Apr. 2 - Missouri at Rapid City, 7:05
*Game 5 - Sat., Apr. 3 - Missouri at Rapid City, 7:05
*Game 6 - Mon., Apr. 5 - Rapid City at Missouri, 7:05
*Game 7 - Wed., Apr. 7 - Missouri at Rapid City, 6:35
*if necessary
All Times Local
Tickets are on sale now for the contests on April 2nd and April 3rd. Contact the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center at 1-800-GOT-MINE or gotmine.com. Playoff packages and discounted group rates are available through the Rush office at 605-716-PUCK (7825).
Other Rush News:
Now taking reservations for season tickets for the 2010 - 2011 Rush hockey season. For more information, contact the Rush office at 605.716.PUCK (7825) or email tickets@rapidcityrush.com
Playoff group tickets are available and start at $13 for the opening round. Contact the Rush office at 605.716.7825 for more information.
Stay informed on Rush happenings through the official Rapid City Rush team website, www.RapidCityRush.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from March 31, 2010
- Rush Top Mavs 4-1, Take Commanding 3-0 Lead in Series - Rapid City Rush
- Mavericks Fall in Game Three, 4-1 to Rapid City - Kansas City Mavericks
- Texas Drops Game 3 Against 'Jacks - Fort Worth Brahmas
- Jacks Take Game Three by a 6-3 Final - Odessa Jackalopes
- Mudbugs vs. Eagles: Game 4 Tomorrow at CTC - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Press Conference Today At Texas Roadhouse - Amarillo Gorillas
- Bucks Host Allen, Look To Tie Series Thursday - Laredo Bucks
- Bucks All-Star Levasseur Called Up To NHL - Laredo Bucks
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