RUSH UNABLE TO TIE GAME LATE, FALL TO BEAST 2-1

(BRAMPTON, ON) – In their first game in Canada in franchise history, the Rapid City Rush began the closing stretch of their regular season schedule, taking on the Brampton Beast for the third consecutive time in two weeks. The Rush, winners of four straight against their Canadian foes, ran into some resistance from the Beast, who won a close battle 2-1 after sixty minutes, behind Kris Westblom’s 35 save performance.

The Rush picked up from where they left off in last week’s set with the Beast, cashing in on the power play and shooting the puck early and often. Jumping on the board first were the Rush, as Jared Brown, playing in his 100th Rush game scored a power play goal with just four second left in his man-advantage to give the Rush a 1-0 lead heading into the first period. After Tristin Llewellyn was assessed a double-minor for two different penalties in the middle of the second, the Beast would tie things up. In the opening moments of their four-minute power play, Jason Pitton would cash in on a rebound after a remarkable series of saves by Wayne Savage to even the game up at 1-1 with 8:28 left in the second. With 2:32 left in the second period, the Rush would get caught in their defensive zone and would be unable to clear the puck, leading to a shot from Dan Milan at the point that was deflected by Andrew Fournier to give the Beast a 2-1 lead heading into the third period. The Rush would have a plethora of chances to tie the game up late with the extra-attacker, but would be unable to even the score, falling to the Beast 2-1.

Wayne Savage made 25 saves in his second loss of the season in his third fourth appearance (1-2-1). Jared Brown extended his goal streak to four games and his point streak to twelve games with his power play goal in the first period, recording six goals and eight assists for fourteen points in that span. Also extending a point streak was Jesse Schultz, whose assist gives him points in six straight games with five goals and six assists for eleven points in that timeframe. The Rush lose their first game to the Beast this season, having won four straight against Brampton prior to tonight’s loss. Both teams will rematch and play for the fourth consecutive time tomorrow night, with puckdrop scheduled for 5:30 MST at the Powerade Centre.

Other Rush News:

Playoff tickets are now available for the 2013-14 postseason as the Rush gear up for their Rush for the Ray Miron President’s Cup!! Call the Rush office at 716-7825 for details.

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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