LOVELAND, CO – Colorado rallied from a 2-1 third period deficit to top the Rapid City Rush 3-2 on Wednesday. Eagles forward Luke Salazar notched a goal and two assists, while fellow forward Casey Pierro-Zabotel collected three assists in the winning effort. The victory was Colorado’s fifth straight and now extends their lead over the Allen Americans to seven points for the top spot in the ECHL’s Mountain Division.
After a scoreless first period, Salazar would open the scoring as he bashed home a centering pass in the slot from Johnny Lazo, giving Colorado the 1-0 lead at the 10:47 mark of the second period.
Just minutes later, Rapid City would find an equalizer on the power play when forward Hunter Fejes popped in a loose puck in the crease to tie the game at 1-1 with 4:55 remaining in the middle frame. The Rush would grab its first lead of the night 3:37 later, as forward Terrence Wallin swatted a bouncing puck between the circles past Eagles goalie Kent Simpson and to give Rapid City the 2-1 edge.
Trailing by one goal after 40 minutes, Colorado would square the game at 2-2 when Lazo deflected a shot from the point past Rush goaltender Adam Morrison with 9:59 remaining in the third period.
Just 2:35 later and with the Eagles on the power play, defenseman Jake Marto would launch a one-timer into the back of the net from the left circle to give Colorado the 3-2 edge.
Rapid City would pull Morrison in favor of the extra attacker, but would draw no closer as the Eagles would hold on for the 3-2 victory.
Simpson picked up the win in net, stopping 21 of Rapid City’s 23 shots on goal, while Morrison suffered the loss, allowing three goals on 30 shots.
The Eagles continue their final home stand of the regular season when they take on the Utah Grizzlies on Friday, March 24th at 7:05 p.m. MT at the Budweiser Events Center.
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