The Allen Americans and Rapid City Rush were back in action Saturday night to wrap up their two game series in Rapid City, South Dakota.
First Period
The Rush found themselves stuck in their defensive zone early in the first period, though they managed to get a few looks and nice shots. Thanks to some impressive saves by Rapid City Rush goaltender Christian Propp, the Rush were able to get on the board first. Charles Martin scored with a sharp-angle shot that went top shelf at 7:50 into the period, assisted by Chaz Smedsrud and Christian Propp.
The Rush extended their lead with a goal from forward Ryan Wagner, whose shot went over the shoulder of Americans goaltender Anson Thornton at 11:50 into the period. Wagner’s goal was assisted by Chase Pauls and Tyler Burnie. The Rush then secured a three-goal lead at 11:50 into the period after a shot from the blue line by Charles Martin was tipped in by forward Luke Mylymok. Mylymok’s goal was assisted by Martin and Brady Pouteau.
Rapid City had a 3-0 lead at the end of the first period after outshooting Allen 13-9.
Second Period
After an offensive first period for the Rush, they started the scoring early in the second period. Deni Goure’s shot from the right faceoff circle beat Anson Thornton’s blocker side, with the goal coming just 25 seconds into the period. Goure’s goal was assisted by Maurizio Colella and Charles Martin. The Rush found the back of the net again after a defensive zone breakdown by the Americans allowed Ryan Wagner to head straight down the center of the ice and score. Wagner’s second goal of the night came at 1:03 into the period and was unassisted. Following Wagner’s goal, the Allen Americans pulled goaltender Anson Thornton and replaced him with Dylan Wells. Rush forward Luke Mylymok scored his second goal of the night after picking up a rebound in front of Wells and putting it over his glove side, giving the Rush a 6-0 lead. Mylymok’s goal came at 2:43 into the period and was assisted by Garrett Klotz and Dustin Manz.
The Americans managed to ruin the shutout for the Rush when defenseman Kenny Johnson took a shot from the blue line that found the back of the net. Johnson’s goal was assisted by Liam Gorman and Brayden Watts. The Americans cut Rapid City’s lead to four when the puck trickled past Rush goaltender Christian Propp after forward Mark Duarte deflected a shot from defenseman Artyom Kulakov. Duarte’s goal came at 5:53 into the period and was assisted by Kulakov and Patrick Polino.
Rapid City regained their five-goal lead at 7:47 into the period after Chaz Smedsrud tipped a shot from Blake Bennett. Smedsrud’s powerplay goal gave the Rush a 7-2 lead and was assisted by Bennett and Ryan Wagner. They then extended their lead with a hat trick goal from Wagner, who beat Wells on the glove side. Wagner’s powerplay goal was assisted by Charles Martin and Blake Bennett.
The Americans got back within five after a blue line shot from Artyom Kulakov found the back of the net. Kulakov’s goal came at 17:11 into the period and was assisted by Brayden Guy and Colin Jacobs.
Rapid City had an 8-3 lead at the end of the second period after outshooting Allen 19-14.
Third Period
After a goal-filled second period, the Rush and Americans experienced a much quieter third period.
The lone goal of the third period came when the Americans had a four-on-two entering Rapid City’s zone, and forward Spencer Asuchak tapped the puck in. Asuchak’s powerplay goal came with only 15.2 seconds left in the game and was assisted by Kyle Crnkovic and Patrick Polino.
Allen outshot Rapid City 13-7 in the third period.
Final Stats
The Rapid City Rush won by a final score of 8-4 after outshooting the Americans 39-36. Rapid City went 2/3 on the powerplay and 2/3 on the penalty kill, while Allen went 1/3 on the powerplay and 1/3 on the penalty kill. Rush goaltender Christian Propp made 32 saves on 36 shots for a save percentage of .889. Americans starting goaltender Anson Thornton had 10 saves on 15 shots for a save percentage of .667, and relief goaltender Dylan Wells had 21 saves on 24 shots for a save percentage of .875. Combined, the Americans’ goaltenders had 31 saves on 39 shots for a .795 save percentage.
Three Stars of the Game
- Rush forward Ryan Wagner (three goals, one assist, seven shots, +1)
- Rush defenseman Charles Martin (one goal, three assists, three shots, +2)
- Rush goaltender Christian Propp (Weekend sweep, 32 saves on 36 shots, 68 saves on 75 shots over the weekend)
Final Thoughts
This game was by far Rapid City’s best of the season. They did lay back a little, which allowed Allen to score a couple of goals, but they quickly got back into the game and scored more. All four of Rapid City’s lines were flying and getting chances, and their defense was doing its job, helping goaltender Christian Propp when needed. Propp also stood on his head and made some incredible saves for the Rush.
The Rush and Americans will now head to Allen, Texas, where they will play each other for three more games. The series will start on Wednesday, January 29th, continue on Friday, January 31st, and wrap up on Saturday, February 1st. Puck drop will be at 7:10 pm MT all three nights.
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