RAPID CITY, S.D. – One night after being pulled in the first period, Danny Battochio bounced back on Saturday night, turning aside 24 shots in a 3-1 win over the Dayton Gems.
The Rapid City Rush now hold a 2-0 lead in the best-of-5 series, with game three in Dayton on Tuesday.
The Rush got a much better start than in game one, tallying the first goal of the contest just 1:58 into the first frame. On the power play, veteran center Brendon Hodge carried the puck to the top of the right circle where he unloaded a slap shot through the five-hole of Derek MacIntyre for the lone goal of the first stanza.
Similar to the first period, the Rush collected an early goal in the second, this time doubling the lead. Crisp passing in the neutral zone between Dave Grimson and Ryan Menei set up Konrad Reeder, who went streaking down the right wing boards and fired a shot to the short side, making it 2-0.
With less than four minutes remaining in regulation, the Gems spoiled the shut out bid for Battochio, potting an extra attacker, power play goal. Damian Surma’s pass to the goal mouth was tapped home by Chris Lipsett, pulling the Gems to within one.
Unfortunately for Dayton, a second extra attacker did not pay off as Jesse Schultz sent home an empty-net goal to secure the 3-1 win. Schultz’s goal was his first in a Rush uniform and fifth point in the last four contests. Game three will be played this Tuesday at the Hara Arena in Dayton, Ohio. Contact comments@prohockeynews.com
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