(WICHITA, Kan.)—Brett Davis redirected home a power play goal with 53 seconds remaining to give the Rapid City Rush (19-21-3) a 3-2 victory over the Wichita Thunder (17-17-7) at INTRUST Bank Arena on Friday.
The Rapid City power play, a much-improved group over the last month, took advantage of a late opportunity after Briley Wood drew a tripping call. In the final minute, Ryan Wagner fired a slap pass that bounced off a Thunder stick to the right side of the net. Davis was in the perfect spot to direct it in for the game-winning goal.
Two defensemen got the Rush on the board earlier in the game. Rapid City dominated the first 30 minutes, but Wichita struck first in the second period. Just 52 seconds later, Jake Ratzlaff wired home a wrist shot from the right circle to tie the game. Early in the third, Xavier Bernard was sprung out of the penalty box. His low slap shot beat goaltender Roddy Ross on the blocker side.
Not to be overlooked, the Rush blocked 14 Thunder shots, including a heroic one in the final moments from Chase Pauls, who took a puck off his right knee just as time expired to seal the win.
Davis picked up a two-point night, bringing his total over the last 14 games to eight goals and 16 points. The GWG was his first of the season. It is the latest game-winner the Rush have scored in regulation all year. He also was credited with 11 shots on goal, by far a career best.
Rapid City was dominant for two-and-a-half periods and was the superior team throughout the night. The Rush attempted 86 shots and outshot Wichita, 43-31, including a 35-17 margin over the first 40 minutes. 17 of their 18 skaters recorded at least one shot on net.
Connor Murphy bounced back with a 29-for-31 performance and his 11th victory of the season. Ross stopped 40 in the loss.
The Rush earned their first win in Wichita since November 19th, 2023, a game also won by Murphy. The rubber game of the series is tomorrow night.
Next game: Saturday, February 7 at Wichita. 5:05 p.m. MST puck drop from INTRUST Bank Arena.
The Rapid City Rush are back home to battle the Tahoe Knight Monsters on Valentine’s Day Weekend! Join us on Friday, February 13th and Saturday 14th at 7:05 p.m. Call the Rush office at 605-716-7825 or visit www.rapidcityrush.com to learn more and secure your seats today.
Adirondack Thunder
Allen Americans
Atlanta Gladiators
Bloomington Bison
Cincinnati Cyclones
Florida Everblades
Fort Wayne Komets
Greensboro Gargoyles
Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Idaho Steelheads
Indy Fuel
Iowa Heartlanders
Jacksonville Icemen
Kalamazoo Wings
Kansas City Mavericks
Maine Mariners
Norfolk Admirals
Orlando Solar Bears
Rapid City Rush
Reading Royals
Savannah Ghost Pirates
South Carolina Stingrays
Tahoe Knight Monsters
Toledo Walleye
Trois-Rivières Lions
Tulsa Oilers
Utah Grizzlies
Wheeling Nailers
Wichita Thunder
Worcester Railers