Big Third Period Lifts Rush Over Brahmas

On Wednesday night, in front of a sold out crowd, the Rush completed a midweek sweep over the Texas Brahmas with a 4-1 win.  In what was the final regular season contest at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City exploded for four unanswered goals in the third period for the victory.

The game’s first goal came at the 11:45 mark of the second period when the Texas forward Adam Chorneyko scored his first of the season.  Chorneyko snuck a rebound home five-hole after a scramble in front of Danny Battochio’s net.  The two teams would head into the locker rooms for the second intermission with the Brahmas up 1-0.

The Rush were finally able to break Brahmas netminder Joe Palmer in the third period, beginning at the 4:10 mark.  Veteran Brendon Hodge broke down the left-wing side on an odd-man Rush and slapped a bullet over the glove of Palmer to finally get on the board.  The Rush gained their first lead of the contest at the 6:17 mark on a goal set up by Hodge.  Hodge again would up for a slap shot, but instead, spun off a check and found Colt King in the slot who then made a move to the forehand and buried.  Just 4:10 later, Dave Grimson scored his 4th of the season on a low wrist shot that snuck in the far post for the 3-1 lead. Rapid City would complete the win when Jon Pelle redirected a Luke Fritshaw shot home for his 21st of the season and a 4-1 lead.

The Rush were again perfect on the penalty kill, stopping all five chances by the Brahmas which included a pair of 5-on-3 opportunities.  The Rush now inch closer to claiming the Northern Conference title, needing just one win this weekend to seal a 1st place spot.  Danny Battochio stopped 37 shots to pick up his 28th win of the season.

The Rush now hit the road to face off against the Amarillo Gorillas on Friday night before wrapping up the regular season on Saturday against the Odessa Jackalopes.