OILERS DEFENSE STYMIES RUSH ATTACK IN DEFENSIVE SLUGFEST

(RAPID CITY, S.D.) – The Rapid City Rush, proud affiliate of the NHL’s Calgary Flames, fell to the Tulsa Oilers 4-1 at The Monument on Thursday night. 

Things started slowly for the Rush who were outshot 15-4 in the first period. Kalvyn Watson opened the scoring just 2:12 into the game, beating goaltender Matt Radomsky on a backhand shot from the low slot. 

Rapid City would not break through until 10:01 into the second period when Alex Aleardi netted his third goal on the season from Brett Gravelle and Charles Martin. 

With three minutes left in the third period, Luka Profaca boarded Logan Nelson face-first into the left wing boards. Will Riedell met Profaca below the goal line as the two tusseled after the poor hit. Nelson was escorted off the ice and did not return. 

While Profaca was assessed a boarding minor and a fighting major, Riedell was given a major plus and instigating minor to negate the would-be powerplay. Oilers forward Carson Focht cashed in on a pass from Eddie Matsushima to take the lead during the four-on-four stretch. 

Despite a valiant third period charge, Tulsa score twice into an empty net to seal the win. 

Rapid City is now 4-4-1-0 on the season while Tulsa is just a game behind them at 3-4-1-0. The Rush are 0-2-1 at home this season, but will look for their first win at home tomorrow night vs. the Oilers.

Tomorrow’s game is brought to you by 10BedRock and the puck will drop at 7:05 p.m.