TULSA, Okla. – The first-place Tulsa Oilers (4-0-3) earned another point in the standings Friday, but fell short in a nine-round shootout in a 3-2 loss to the Rapid City Rush (4-3-2) at the BOK Center.
Rapid City struck first just 1:55 into the game when Josh Elmes circled the Oilers net and tucked a wraparound past Evan Fitzpatrick. Tulsa tied the score when Terrance Amorosa ripped a shot through traffic for his first career goal. The Oilers went in front 2-1 when Austin Poganski finished off a tic-tac-toe passing play with his second goal in as many nights just 32 seconds before the first period buzzer.
The Oilers outshot Rapid City 20-6 in the second period, generating the first 15 chances. Rush goaltender Michael Bitzer stopped all 20 in the frame, and his team battled back to tie the score late in the period. Rapid City’s first shot came with 5:08 left, but Garrett Klotz hammered away at a loose puck until it found its way past Fitzpatrick to pull the Rush even at 2-2.
After a scoreless third period and overtime, Rapid City came away victorious when captain Riley Weselowski capped off a marathon shootout with a goal in the ninth round.
The Oilers and Rush finish the series Saturday at 7:05pm at the BOK Center. Tulsa will celebrate St. Louis Blues Affiliation Night, with the Oilers dressed in Blues-themed jerseys that will be auctioned off after the game.
With Tulsa Oilers release
Contact the photographer: Les.Stockton@prohockeynews.com
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