Rush Win in Overtime Over Arizona


Rush Take Close One From Arizona

In a classic offensive showdown, the Rapid City Rush improved to 9-0-2 in their last 11 road games and took back first place in the Northern Conference with a 6-5 overtime win over the Arizona Sundogs.

The Sundogs jumped out to a first period lead on goals from Marc Belanger, his 14th of the season, and Steve Potvin, his sixth of the season.  Both goals were scored in the first 5:25 of the game.

Rapid City would get on the board before the end of the first period with a power play goal from Scott Wray, his 21st goal of the season tying him for the team lead.

The offense would continue in the second period with the Rush tying the game on a strange goal by Blaine Jarvis.  The puck appeared to be caught in a collision in front of the net and then hopped over Sundogs goaltender Doug Groenestege.

The teams would exchange goals before the end of the period with Jason Visser giving the ‘Dogs a 3-2 lead and Wray quickly bringing his club back to even with his team-leading 22nd goal of the season.

In the third period, the Rush appeared to take control scoring twice in the first half of the final frame.  Luke Erickson gave the visitors their first lead of the game at the 4:05 mark and Jamie VanderVeeken would pad the lead with his ninth goal of the season scored just seconds after he was freed from the penalty box.

Arizona pulled to within one with Linus Fagemo’s 15th goal of the season just one minute after VanderVeeken’s breakaway score.

The Sundogs took advantage of a golden opportunity in the final minute of regulation when Belanger scored his second of the night with his club on a two-man advantage to go along with an extra attacker with the goalie pulled.  The score tied the game at five goals apiece sending the contest to overtime.

Ultimately, it was the Rush who came out on top thanks to Les Reaney’s blast from the right circle with his team on a power play in overtime.  For Reaney, it was his 22nd of the season.

Although he allowed five goals, Danny Battochio came up big in the final period and overtime finishing with 29 saves improving to 18-4-1 on the season.

Groenestege finished with 29 saves and saw his season record fall to 10-7-3.

The two teams have set the stage for what should be a big weekend when they meet again on Friday and Saturday in Arizona.
 


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