PHN Photo Essay – Fort Wayne Komets vs. Rapid City Rush 04/08/12

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – With their backs against the wall, the Rapid City Rush received key contributions from their big names to earn a 4-1 win over the Fort Wayne Komets on Sunday night. A four-goal third period lifted the Rush to their first playoff win at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum and forces a game #6 in Rapid City.
For the third consecutive game, the Komets got on the board first, potting the only goal of the opening 40 minutes. After a pair of turnovers in the neutral zone, Colin Chaulk stepped into the Rapid City end and slid a pass to Mike Vaskivuo at the right circle who buried for his third goal of the series.
The game remained 1-0 until the third period, when the Rush offense exploded for three goals in a 6:07 span. The first tally came at 3:23 when Jesse Schultz’s shot was rebounded home by Konrad Reeder for a power play marker that served as his first of the postseason. Minutes later, Reeder’s nifty play on an offensive zone face off set up Scott Wray on the back door for the go-ahead goal. Less than two minutes later, the Rush received an insurance goal from Jeff Kyrzakos who poured in his third of the series that was set up by a beautiful pass to the far post by Jake Morissette. Schultz would add an empty net goal in the closing minute to lift Rapid City to the 4-1 win and extend the series. The following images were recorded at the Allen County War Memorial arena on Sunday.

Rapid City defenseman Michael Couch collides with Fort Wayne%27s Chris Auger.

Rapid City defenseman Michael Couch collides with Fort Wayne%27s Chris Auger.

Fort Wayne%27s Jean-Michel Rizk battles Rapid City%27s Dave Grimson for the puck.

Fort Wayne%27s Jean-Michel Rizk battles Rapid City%27s Dave Grimson for the puck.

Rapid City%27s Konrad Reeder fires a shot.

Rapid City%27s Konrad Reeder fires a shot.

Fort Wayne%27s Kaleigh Schrock battles Rapid City%27s Chris Auger for position as a play develops in front of the net.

Fort Wayne%27s Kaleigh Schrock battles Rapid City%27s Chris Auger for position as a play develops in front of the net.

Fort Wayne%27s Bryant Molle pressures Rapid City%27s Konrad Reeder.

Fort Wayne%27s Bryant Molle pressures Rapid City%27s Konrad Reeder.

Rapid City%27s Tim Boron makes a save on a shot by Fort Wayne%27s Stephon Thorne.

Rapid City%27s Tim Boron makes a save on a shot by Fort Wayne%27s Stephon Thorne.

Rapid City%27s Tim Boron stymies Fort Wayne%27s Mike Vaskivuo.

Rapid City%27s Tim Boron stymies Fort Wayne%27s Mike Vaskivuo.

Rapid City players celebrate after their win.

Rapid City players celebrate after their win.

Contact the photographer at johnrothwell@prohockeynews.com

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