(TULSA, Okla.) – The Rapid City Rush, proud affiliate of the NHL’s Calgary Flames, logged their second-straight victory on Sunday, knocking off the Tulsa Oilers at BOK Center 4-3.
Mark Duarte scored his fourth of the season just 3:01 into the first period, crashing the net on a Jimmy Soper shot. Soper’s assist marks his 100th ECHL point and he his only two assists shy of 50 ECHL helpers.
Rapid City was outshot 16-5 in the first period and were outshot 48-19 in the game, marking the seventh game they have been outshot by their opponent. The Rush, however, never trailed in the game.
Maurizio Colella notched his second goal of the season blasting a slapshot by Julian Junca to make it a 2-0 Rush lead, but Tulsa would storm back.
Late in the second period Carson Focht broke through to make it 2-1 and Dante Sheriff would tie the game midway through the third period.
Despite riding the momentum, Tulsa lost track of Blake Bennett in the low slot and Conner Bleackley hit him to take the lead 3-2. Bennett would add one more just three minutes later to make it 4-2 Rush.
Despite a penalty shot goal from Andy Carroll 13:04 into the third, the Rush defended their way to victory.
Rapid City is now two games clear of Tulsa and just three points behind Idaho for second place in the Mountain Division. The Rush will return to the Black Hills to take on the Oilers at The Monument in a three-game homestand this week. Tickets for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday are available at rapidcityrush.com.
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