RAPID CITY, S.D. The Rapid City Rush (27-32-6) were shut out by the Tulsa Oilers (22-37-5), 5-0, at The Monument Ice Arena on Wednesday.
Tulsa scored three times in the second period and twice more in the third. Dylan Fitze recorded a hat trick for the Oilers, his first multi-goal game since the 2023-24 season.
Facing a significantly better-rested team and without top-line forwards Ryan Chyzowski and Quinn Olson, the Rush looked a step behind throughout the night. Five members of the Rush played their first-ever game at The Monument Ice Arena.
The Oilers outshot Rapid City, 46-21, and improved to 4-0 against the Rush in the season series.
Vyacheslav Buteyets recorded his sixth career shutout and second against Rapid City with a 21-save performance. Rico DiMatteo stopped 41 out of 46 shots, snapping a personal three-game winning streak.
After a much-needed day off tomorrow, the two teams will continue their series on Friday night.
Next game: Friday, April 3 vs. Tulsa. 7:05 p.m. MDT puck drop from The Monument Ice Arena.
