ECHL Idaho Steelheads

Steelheads Batted by Rush

March 11, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Idaho Steelheads News Release


Rapid City, SD - Lindsay Sparks' breakaway goal with 13:29 remaining in regulation time snapped a 1-1 tie and held up as the game-winner as the Rapid City Rush (24-29-6) defeated the Idaho Steelheads (33-21-7), 2-1 at Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. The loss halted Idaho's winning streak at four games and their points streak at eight games, both matching season-highs.

Danny Battochio made 30 saves for the Rush, holding down the Steelheads over the final two periods as Idaho dominated possession time for much of the evening. The Steelheads outshot Rapid City 31-18, with the Rush never recording more than seven shots in a period. Battochio shut out the Steelheads in the last meeting between these two teams at CenturyLink Arena on February 17th, and is now 3-2-0 this season against Idaho.

The Steelheads got on the board first at 12:55 of the opening period on a left-wing wrist shot from Joe Basaraba that ripped through traffic and through Battachio. The puck popped in and out of the net so quickly that the officials had to confer to ensure that Basaraba's ninth of the season did in fact go in. Basaraba now has goals in four straight games, matching the longest goal-scoring streak by a Steelhead this season (Jefferson Dahl), and goals in seven of the last nine games.

The Steelheads would not escape the first period with a lead, however. Mikhail Stefanovich finished off a 3-on-2 Rapid City attack with his 17th of the season past Branden Komm's blocker. Zach Luczyk, making his pro debut, had the puck knocked off his stick, but it rolled right to Stefanovich in the high slot with 54 seconds left in the period.

After a scoreless second period, Stefanovich almost put the Rush in front with a sneaky breakaway early in the third. With the puck along the right-wing boards outside the Idaho zone, Stefanovich snuck behind defensemen Zach Yuen and Jake Rutt for a break-in that was kicked out with Komm's left pad.

Shortly later, Sparks would get another breakaway for Rapid City and convert for his 11th of the year and a 2-1 Rush lead.

Branden Komm made 16 saves in a losing effort after winning his last four consecutive starts.

The Steelheads are now 10-2-2 in their last 14 games, with both regulation losses coming at the hands of the Rush. The Steelheads maintained a four point lead atop the West Division with the Utah Grizzlies falling to the Colorado Eagles Friday night.

The Steelheads and Rush skate again Saturday night at Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05pm MT, with the game available on 1350AM KTIK and ECHLTV.

Check out the Idaho Steelheads Statistics



ECHL Stories from March 11, 2016


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central