After the Wichita Thunder took the first two games of the series, the Rapid City Rush came into the series finale looking to avoid being swept on Teddy Bear Toss Night.
First Period
The Rapid City Rush found some offense in the first period. Rush forward Connor Mylymok was able to get the Rush on the board first and let the teddy bears fly with a goal 9:43 into the period. Dustin Manz and Billy Constantinou assisted Mylymok’s fourth goal of the season. The Rush were then able to extend their lead with a goal from Ryan Wagner 18:50 into the period. Billy Constantinou and Brett Davis assisted Wagner’s goal.
The Rush led the Thunder 2-0 entering the first intermission after being outshot by Wichita 10-8.
Second Period
After the Rush were able to have an offensive first period, the Thunder decided to have an offensive second period.
Down 2-0, the Thunder were able to get themselves on the board 1:46 into the second with a goal from Nolan Burke. Burke’s sixth goal of the season was assisted by Braden Hache and Jay Dickman. The Thunder were then able to tie the game while on the powerplay with a goal from Peter Bates. Bates’ powerplay goal came 11:53 into the period and was assisted by Jeremie Bucheler and Michal Stinil.
The period ended with both teams tied at two, with both teams having ten shots each in the second.
Third Period
After an offensive first for the Rush and an offensive second for the Thunder, neither team was able to find the back of the net. Both teams had two powerplays in the third, but neither team was able to convert.
The third ended still tied at two after the Rush outshot Wichita 4-3 in the period.
Overtime
The game was still tied at two after 60 minutes of play and needed some extra time to determine a winner.
After a failed drop pass by the Thunder in their offensive zone, the Thunder turned the puck over and gave the Rush a two-on-one heading down the ice. Rush forward Brett Davis was able to receive a pass from Ryan Wagner and go bar down on Wichita’s goalie to end the game. Davis’ game-winning goal came 3:01 into the extra period and was assisted by Ryan Wagner.
The Rush outshot Wichita 4-2 in overtime.
Final Stats
The Rapid City Rush won by a final score of 3-2 after outshooting the Thunder 26-25. Rapid City saw their powerplay go 0/3 and their penalty kill go 3/4, while Wichita’s powerplay was 1/4 and their penalty kill was 3/3. Rapid City’s goaltender Christian Propp made 23 saves on 25 shots for a save percentage of .92,0 while Wichita’s goaltender Gabriel Carriere had 23 saves on 26 shots for a save percentage of .885.
Three Stars
- Rush forward Dustin Manz (one assist, two shots)
- Rush forward Ryan Wagner (one goal, one assist, five shots, +2)
- Rush forward Brett Davis (Overtime game winning goal, one assist, two shots, +2)
Final Thoughts
This was by far one of Rapid City’s best games in a while. The Rush still need to put together a full 60 minute game to help avoid losing leads and having to go into overtime. Rapid City’s biggest weakness this season has been their second periods, and that was one of their weaknesses again. But the Rush did see a lot of improvements from their previous games and saw a lot more chemistry between their players on the ice.
The Wichita Thunder will next be in action in a series against the Allen Americans. The Thunder will be at Allen on Wednesday, December 18th, and Friday, December 20th, with puck drop at 7:10 pm CT both nights. The Thunder will finish their series with the Americans at home on Saturday, December 21st with puck drop at 6;05 pm CT.
The Rapid City Rush will be back in action on the road against the Idaho Steelheads on Wednesday, December 18th; Friday, December 20th; and Saturday, December 21st. Puck drop will be at 7:10 pm MT all three nights.
Discover more from Inside The Rink
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
