RUSH CANT SOLVE MADOLORA, SHUT OUT FOR SECOND TIME THIS YEAR

(RAPID CITY, SD) – The best offense would clash with the best defense in the CHL, as the Tulsa Oilers would visit the Rapid City Rush for the first time this season. Despite the potent offensive capabilities of each squad, the scoring would be ironically minimal in the contest. At the end of 60 minutes, however, it would be the Oilers earning the two points in the standings by a 3-0 score, behind goaltender Shane Madalora’s 38 save shutout.

Despite the offensive capabilities of these teams, scoring would not get underway until midway through the second period. Lots of traffic would come towards Rush rookie goaltender Keaton Hartigan’s net, and the puck would come bouncing towards his crease with bodies flying all over. One of those flying bodies would be Drew Fisher of the Oilers, who would knock the puck behind the defenseless Hartigan to give the Oilers the 1-0 lead with 9:36 left in the middle frame. The Rush would have a power play of their own to try and equalize the score, but would be unable to capitalize on the man-advantage, and would trail going into the final period of regulation, unable to solve Oilers net-minder Shane Madalora.

The Rush would still have countless opportunities to try and even the score, but the Oilers defense would have none of it, and would end up putting the game out of reach later in the period. Matt Larke would get called for a tripping penalty with about five minutes to go, giving the Oilers their second power play of the game. Ben Gordon would catch a rebound off of Hartigan and roof the puck in his net to give the Oilers some distance on the scoreboard and a 2-0 lead with 4:39 left in the game. Going for the extra-attacker, the Rush would allow an empty-net goal to Michel Beausoleil, which would end the game in a 3-0 score.

Keaton Hartigan played admirably in the loss, his third of the year in six appearances (3-3-0), stopping 28 shots on 30 faced. The Rush were shut out for the second time this season, with the other coming at the hands of the Quad City Mallards back in December. This is the third consecutive game of the Rush’s current losing streak, the most this season so far. The Rush are back in action on Friday night as they take on the Missouri Mavericks in a crucial two-game set on the road. Puck drop for both games is 7:05 CST, and the games can be heard on 100.3 The FOX, the official radio home of the Rapid City Rush, with pregame starting at 6:35 CST.

Other Rush News:

Season tickets for the 2013-14 season are available now by calling the Rush office at 716-7825.

Don’t forget to join Mark Binetti, “Voice of the Rush”, and Head Coach/GM Joe Ferras for “The Rush Hour with Coach Ferras”, presented by Miller Lite. The show returns to the air next year on Monday, January13th, and will be held at 6 PM at Boston’s Restaurant and Sports Bar. The show is broadcast on 100.3 The FOX, the official radio home of your Rapid City Rush.

Stay informed on Rush happenings through the official Rapid City Rush team website, www.RapidCityRush.com, and the Rapid City Rush mobile app, available on iTunes and Google Play.

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