RAPID CITY, SD – A night after watching the Wichita Thunder rally from a two-goal deficit to force overtime, the Rapid City Rush did a little rallying of their own, scoring two goals in the final 25 minutes before defeating the Thunder in overtime, 3-2. Brett Gravelle scored the game-winner and former Thunder forward Logan Nelson had a two-point night for the second straight night. Michal Stinil and Peter Bates scored for Wichita.

Wichita got off to a fast start as Bates netted a power-play goal just 1:55 into the contest. Brayden Watts made a great pass, finding its way through traffic and onto the stick of Bates at the far post. He simply shoveled the puck past Rapid City netminder Matt Radomsky for his team-leading 15th goal of the season. The goal gave Bates points in nine straight games.

The Rush dominated the first period, outshooting Wichita 20-7. However, Magnus Chrona was spectacular, not only stopping all 20 shots in the first frame, but stopping 15 of the 16 he faced in the second. Meanwhile, Rapid City was doing a great job of limiting the opportunities for the Thunder.

However, Wichita extended their lead to 29:29 into the second when Stinil scored his 11th goal of the season. Watts set up the play, winning a battle for the puck inside the right corner. He then found Stinil wide open in the slot, who blasted a one-timer by Radomsky.

Rapid City had no answers for Chrona through the first 35 minutes, but James Hardie netted a power-play goal with 4:02 left in the second. Jarrod Gourley dished the puck to Hardie at the right face-off circle, who blasted a one-timer into the upper corner for his second goal of the year.

The Thunder were outshot in the third period, 15-3, clinging to the one goal advantage. It looked like the team would skate away with the victory, but Nelson broke their hearts with 32 seconds left in the contest. His shot from the right point found its way through traffic and into the upper corner to send this game to the extra session.

That is where Gravelle delivered the game-winner. The Rapid City forward gained control the puck in his own end, cruising through the neutral zone, then entering the Wichita end. There he beat Chrona with his fourth goal of the season to give Rapid City the 3-2 victory.

Chrona took the loss but was spectacular, stopping 51 shots. He has now made at least 42 saves in each of his two professional starts. Watts had two assists.

The Thunder will now have the next seven days off, not returning to the ice until they travel to Oklahoma to take on the Tulsa Oilers on December 17. The puck drops at 4:00.

Gamesheet

by Robert Pannier