SLAPSHOT POSTGAME COVERAGE PRESENTED BY ASSURANT SOLUTIONS

SLOW START LEADS TO RUSH’S THIRD STRAIGHT LOSS

(ALLEN, TX) – For the third time this season, the Rapid City Rush and the Allen Americans battled, looking to take a leg-up in the 1-1 season series. For the second consecutive game, the Rush were in an early multi-goal hole, which led to their third consecutive loss of the season. Behind two goals in a 38 second span in the first period, and 29 saves by Riley Gill, the Americans would take their second win against the Rush this season, stifling their visitors by a 3-1 score.

For the third game in a row, the Rush allowed the first goal, and for the second consecutive night trailed by multiple goals early. After missing out on their first power play opportunity of the night, the Americans’ Trevor Ludwig struck first from the point to give the home side an early 1-0 advantage just 5:16 into the game. Exactly 38 seconds later, Brian McMillin and Jack Combs went on a two-on-one rush, with Combs passing cross-ice to McMillin who ultimately buried the shot to extend the Americans advantage to 2-0. The Rush would be unable to convert any of their three power plays of the period, and would trail by two after one.

Special teams play was the theme of the second period, as both the Americans and Rush did some damage with their respective units. On their first power play of the game, Austin Smith would record his third point of the night on a bounce in front of Danny Battochio increase the Americans lead to 3-0 just 2:40 into the frame. The Rush would eventually get on the board, but with a man-disadvantage. On his second shorthanded breakaway of the game, Dylan Clarke buried one by Riley Gill to put the Rush on the board, trailing 3-1 entering the final period. Despite a man-advantage late and countless offensive opportunities, the Rush were unable to complete the comeback, falling to the Americans 3-1.

Danny Battochio made 27 saves on 30 shots, but receives his fifth loss of the season (4-5-1). The Rush have lost three games in a row for the first time this season, and for the first time since last February, when the Rush suffered a six-game losing streak. This also marks the first time this season that the Rush have lost three consecutive road games, with the skid starting last Saturday in Missouri in a 3-2 losing effort. The Rush are back in action next week as they take to the road once again to play the Quad City Mallards on Friday and Saturday night, November 21st and 22nd, with puckdrop slated for 6:05 p.m. MST for both games.

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