SOLID EFFORT ALL AROUND LEADS RUSH TO FIRST WIN OVER OILERS

(TULSA, OK) – In that special time of year where the playoff push takes over, the Rapid City Rush and the Tulsa Oilers met for the fourth time this season, their first in the BOK Center. After Tuesday night’s big two points against the Thunder in the shootout, the Rush looked to ride that momentum against the Oilers, a team they have yet to defeat all season. After tonight that changed, as the Rush rode a solid all-around team effort to win 5-2, thanks to three multi-point performances for the Rush

Scoring would not begin until the second period, but when it commenced the Rush would unload on the Oilers. Banking in a back-door rebound was Jesse Schultz to start the festivities, finishing a play started by Sean Erickson to give the Rush the 1-0 lead 1:30 into the second. Exactly five minutes in, Eric Giosa would benefit from hard work in front of the net, tipping in a Brett Kostolansky shot to give the visitors from the Black Hills a 2-0 lead. Towards the end of the period, the Rush would be awarded a double-minor power play thanks to slashing and unsportsmanlike conduct penalties from former Rush forward Ryan Menei, and would cash in on the resulting advantage. Capping off a phenomenal middle frame was former Oiler Sean Erickson, whose one-timer power play goal helped the Rush to a commanding 3-0 lead with 2:05 left in the second period.

The Rush picked up where they left off to start the third, but did so in the midst of killing off their second power play in the early stages of the third period. Taking a bouncing puck in neutral ice, Scott Brannon would go on a shorthanded breakaway and would snipe a wrister into Shane Madolora’s top shelf to score the fourth unanswered goal for the Rush, giving them a 4-0 lead 2:18 into the final period. Unfortunately for the Rush, they would give up consecutive power play goals to the Oilers moments later. Scoring first was former Rush forward Ryan Menei, taking advantage of the open ice of a four-on-three power play to put the Oilers on the board with 13:42 left in the game, making the score 4-1. Exactly 1:53 later, Drew Fisher would score the second Tulsa power play goal, chiseling the deficit in half to 4-2. The Rush would tally one more before the end of the game, with interim captain Konrad Reeder finishing off a brilliant passing play with Eric Giosa, giving the Rush a 5-2 lead, and ultimately a major win by that same score.

Tim Boron stopped 22 shots on the evening to earn his 26th win of the season (26-11-1). Eric Giosa tallied a three point night for the Rush, scoring a goal and adding two helpers. The goal puts Giosa three away from the century mark for goals scored in his regular season career. Also notching multi-point nights were Jesse Schultz and former Oilers defenseman Sean Erickson, who each recorded a goal and an assist. The win against the Oilers is the first for the Rush in this season series, ending a three game losing streak against them. The win also ended the Oilers five-game winning streak as well. Both teams square off for the final time in this regular season tomorrow night at 6:35 MST in the BOK Center.

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 on Wednesday March 19th for the FINAL TIME THIS REGULAR SEASON, 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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