(RAPID CITY, S.D.)—The Rapid City Rush (21-22-3) scored the first four goals of the game en route to another 6-3 win and a sweep of the Tahoe Knight Monsters (24-20-4) at The Monument Ice Arena on Saturday.
Ryan Wagner, Chaz Smedsrud, and Cameron Buhl all buried in a dominant first period as the Rush raced out to a 3-0 lead at the first intermission. Blake Bennett scored early in the second period and Rapid City led 4-0 at the halfway point of the game.
Tahoe’s offense came alive and mounted a comeback. The Knight Monsters tallied the next three goals and suddenly, the Rush lead was just 4-3 with 15 minutes to go. With the next goal being critical, Rapid City turned up the heat again. Bennett picked up his second goal of the night in transition, then assisted on Ryan Chyzowski’s empty netter to ice the game.
Bennett, who took nine shots on goal, tallied three points and was named first star. He and Buhl each finished with three goals in the two-game series.
Quinn Olson dished out three assists and Bobby Russell had two apples for the second straight night.
The Rush finished off their first sweep on home ice and their second of the season. Tahoe has been the victim both times. Rapid City has won seven consecutive matchups against the Knight Monsters and is now just seven points back with two months to play.
After Tahoe used their power play to create offense in game one, the Rush pitched a perfect game on the penalty kill tonight, going 3-for-3 to stymie the second-ranked power play in the league.
Connor Murphy crossed over 900 saves for the season and won his third consecutive game. Murphy was 39-for-42. Cameron Whitehead suffered the loss. The Rush are 5-0 against Whitehead this season.
This is the seventh time the Rush have reached six goals in a single game and the third consecutive home game doing so.
Next game: Thursday, February 19 vs. Worcester. 7:05 p.m. MST puck drop from The Monument Ice Arena.
The Rapid City Rush continue their homestand against the Worcester Railers on February 19th, 20th, and 21st! Saturday, February 21st is the inaugural Black Hills Brawl Night, presented by RESPEC. Call the Rush office at 605-716-7825 or visit www.rapidcityrush.com to learn more and secure your seats today.
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