RC Rush Win Wild One Saturday Night

On Saturday night, the Rapid City Rush came away with
a 5-4 victory over the Allen Americans in front of a sold out crowd at
the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center.  The teams combined for seven goals in
the final period in a back and forth game that ended with a goal from
Scott Wray as the difference.  Miguel Beaudry stopped 27 shots for his
15th win of the season, helping the Rush hold on to the lead in the
Northern Conference.

For the second time in as many nights, the Americans got on the board
first, this time it was Tobias Whelan taking advantage of a 2-on-1 set
up by Bruce Graham.  Just 1:45 later, Brendon Hodge caught a break when
a centering attempt from the half-wall deflected twice off of Allen
defenseman before finding the back of the net.  Hodge's goal was the
last tally until the third period.

After both offenses went dormant for over thirty minutes, the two teams
exploded for seven combined goals in the third period.  Nathan O'Nabigon
gave the Americans their second lead of the game less than two minutes
into the period.  The Rush would strike back when Jon Pelle and Rich
Hansen set up Derek LeBlanc for his 18th goal of the season at 8:53.
Just 1:21 later, Brendan Cook netted his 27th of the season to give the
Rush their first lead of the night.  The Americans battled back with
goals just over two minutes apart to regain the lead.  The first was a
powerplay goal from Tyler Shelast at 13:41, then an even strength tally
from Nino Musitelli at 16:10.  Continuing the back and forth trend, Colt
King would tie the game again at the 17:32 mark of the final period when
he muscled home a rebound from the crease.  The Rush were not done as
they completed the comeback win with just 1:14 left in regulation.
Brendan Cook streaked into the offensive zone and fired a low shot that
allowed for a rebound that was batted home by Scott Wray for his
team-leading 8th game-winning goal of the season.

The Rush outshot the Americans for the second straight game, this time
47-31.  The Rush struggled on the specials teams again, giving up one
powerplay goal on five chances while being stopped on all four
powerplays chances.

The Rush play their final regular season home games on Tuesday and
Wednesday against the Texas Brahmas.  Tickets are still available for
both games.