Rush Win Defensive Battle 2-1; Take 2-0 Series Lead
Published on March 29, 2010 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release
(Independence, MO) - In game number two of the Northern Conference Semifinals, the Rapid City Rush came away with a hard-fought 2-1 win over the Missouri Mavericks. The game was a defensive showdown as the two teams combined for 64 shots and ten powerplay chances, but could only muster three tallies. Rapid City's two big guns led the way again as Les Reaney collected two points while Scott Wray scored his second game-winner in as many days. The Rush now have a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-7 series and now head home for three straight games at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center.
Following the same path from game one, the Mavericks took it to the Rush early, dominating in shots 10-3, but neither team found the back of the net through 20 minutes.
Les Reaney got the scoring started just over eight minutes into the second period with his first goal of the playoffs. Reaney won a faceoff back to Luke Fritshaw who fired a wrist shot that deflected off the glove of Gerry Festa and Reaney was there to scoop the puck up and slide it past the netminder. The lead lasted until the 14:56 mark when an odd-man rush for the Mavericks allowed Jeff Christian to slide the puck to Bill Vandermeer who cut across the front of the net and tucked a shot home.
In the third period, Scott Wray rose the occasion for his second consecutive game, scoring the lone goal in the third period. At the 5:02 mark, Reaney made a pass to Wray who broke in alone on net and roofed a shot over the glove of Festa for the 2-1 lead. After the go-ahead goal, the Rush faced two Mavs powerplay chances, but weathered the storm for the 2-1 victory.
In all, the Rush penalty kill remained perfect in the series, killing off all seven chances by the Mavs while Rapid City's powerplay went 1-for-3.
Danny Battochio earned the second star and his second playoff win with 38 saves on the night while fellow rookie Gerry Festa was dealt the loss in his first career playoff game.
The Rush now head home for the first home playoff game in team history on Wednesday, March 31st at 6:35pm.
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, 6:35
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 March 31st, 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 29, 2010
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- Allen Americans Weekly Notes - Allen Americans
- Held Wins CHL Monthly Three Stars Award - Mississippi RiverKings
- Oilers Tie To Frozen Four - Tulsa Oilers
- Missouri's Jeff Christian Wins Oakley Three Star Player of the Year Award - CHL
- Colorado Eagles Week In Review - Colorado Eagles
- Bucks Host Allen In Pivotal Game Three Tuesday - Laredo Bucks
- Jackalopes Weekly Update - Odessa Jackalopes
- Rush Win Defensive Battle 2-1; Take 2-0 Series Lead - Rapid City Rush
- Mavericks Lose Tight One In Game 2, 2-1 To Rush - Kansas City Mavericks
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