RUSH COMEBACK FALLS SHORT, FALL TO MAVERICKS 3-2

SLAPSHOT POSTGAME COVERAGE PRESENTED BY ASSURANT SOLUTIONS

RUSH COMEBACK FALLS SHORT, FALL TO MAVERICKS 3-2

(INDEPENDENCE, MO) – It took five games, but the Missouri Mavericks finally had the chance to host an ECHL at the Independence Event Center. The Rapid City Rush, concluding a two-game in two-night in two-city road trip, looked to play spoiler to the Mavericks home-opening festivities. The Rush, despite a quick start in the first, would ultimately fall to the Mavericks 3-2, with a three-goal second period powering the Mavericks to their first victory at home.

For the third game in a row, the Rush jumped on the board first, but this time within the first three minutes of play, unlike last night’s contest. Continuing his early success in the season was Daniel Barczuk, who tipped in passes from Jesse Schultz and Joey Sides to give the Rush a 1-0 lead just 2:18 into the game. The Rush would have multiple chances in the first period to extend the lead, including three appearances by the power play unit, but would be unable to capitalize and build off of their one goal lead.

The Mavericks turned the tables in the second period with some fast offense of their own, tying the game two minutes in. On a turnover behind Danny Battochio’s net, a pass would come to Kellin Tochkin, who sent the puck into an open four-by-six to even the score at 1-1. Moments later, on their third power play of the game, former CHL MVP Garett Bembridge sent in a Sebastien Thinel pass past Danny Battochio to give the Mavericks their first lead of the game at 2-1 just under five and a half minutes into the middle frame. Moments later, with 8:30 left, Bembridge would net his second, this time on even-strength, giving the Mavericks a 3-1 advantage that they would carry with them into the final frame.

Strong special teams play for the Rush would allow them to come back within striking distance early in the final period of regulation. On the sixth power play of the game, J.P. Chabot would tip in a Steve Kaunisto shot from the point to cut the Rush deficit to 3-2 just 1:25 into the final frame. With 18:35 left in the game, the Rush had countless opportunities to tie, earning another man-advantage and pulling Battochio for an extra-attacker late, but despite a 10-7 shot advantage, the Rush’s comeback efforts would fall short and the Mavericks would claim the two points in their home opener, winning by a 3-2 score.

Danny Battochio receives the loss in his seventh start of the season, stopping 22 of 25 shots thrown his way (4-2-1). The Rush power play returned to their scoring ways, netting a goal on the man-advantage for the fifth game in the last six played. The three goals allowed by the Rush in the second period tied a season high, and became the third time in which this has occurred. The Rush finish their road trip at 1-1, and will return home to play the Wichita Thunder on Tuesday and Wednesday night next week, November 11th and 12th, with puck drop for both games scheduled for 6:35 MST.

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