RAPID CITY, S.D.—Connor Murphy backstopped the Rapid City Rush to a 1-0 win over the Iowa Heartlanders at The Monument Ice Arena on Saturday.
Murphy made 40 saves, including double-digit saves in all three periods, to deliver his second shutout of the season. Both shutouts have been 1-0 wins for his team; Murphy blanked the Idaho Steelheads in Boise on November 16, 2024.
The game’s turning point came midway through the second period. Iowa’s Nathan Noel was booked for a major penalty and game misconduct for cross-checking Parker Bowman on a faceoff. The Rush capitalized one minute into the power play when Deni Goure banged home his own rebound to give Rapid City a 1-0 lead.
From that point on, Iowa pressed hard for the equalizing goal but could not break through the Rush defense and Murphy. Rapid City defended Iowa’s 6-on-5 attack for the last two-and-a-half minutes of the game.
Kyle McClellan stopped 25 out of 26 Rush shots. Murphy earns his eleventh victory of the season, tying himself back with Matt Radomsky.
The Rush have won 15 of their last 18 games and earned point in 17 of 19. This is the second three-game home sweep for Rapid City this season.
Next game: Friday, March 21 vs. Wichita. 7:05 p.m. MDT puck drop from The Monument Ice Arena.