Oilers capped in 3-1 loss to Rapid City

TULSA, OK – Another game, another head-scratching loss for the Tulsa Oilers.
Tulsa had seven powerplays, put up 35 shots on goal, and still couldn’t muster any offense in a 3-1 defeat at the hands of the Rapid City Rush (31-19-6) on Tuesday night in front of 3,323 at the BOK Center. For the ninth straight game, the Oilers (25-25-6) failed to score more than two goals.
Oilers rookie defenseman Jeff Terminesi snapped a shot past Rush goalie TimBoron at the 5:14 mark of the first period to give the home team an early advantage. But from there, as it has so many times over the last three weeks, the puck simply refused to cross the line.
Halfway through the middle period, Jordan Behler scored his second professional goal on a wrist shot from the right circle. The powerplay marker pulled the Rush even as Behler found the net for the second straight game.
An early third period turnover in the Oilers zone led to a short breakaway for Rush defensemen Andrew Smale who fired through the legs of Tulsa goalie Ian Keserich to give Rapid City its first lead of the evening. After the Oilers failed to convert on two third period powerplays, Smale bullied his way to the empty net with 33 seconds left to clinch the game for Rapid City.
Tulsa finished the season series against the Rush with a record of 1-2-2. The Oilers remain one point behind Rio Grande Valley for the fourth and finalplayoff spot in the Berry Conference.
The Oilers wrap up their three-game home stand on Friday night at 7:35 p.m. against the Quad City Mallards. It’s Military Night at the BOK Center and the Oilers players will wear special camouflage jerseys which will be auctioned off after the game.
Contact Les.Stockton@prohockeynews.com