FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 17, 2017
SHORT-HANDED GOAL TOPPLES OILERS LATE
Tulsa falls to Rapid City for the third time this season in a back-and-forth game after Rush strike on a third period short-handed breakaway.
TULSA, OK – The Tulsa Oilers clawed back to tie the Rapid City Rush twice Friday, but a late short-handed goal propelled the Rush past the Oilers 5-3 in the final meeting of the year at the BOK Center.
Photo / TeeJay Crawford
Shawn Bates provided the only goal of the first period in his first game back after missing the last three, putting the Oilers in front 3:38 into the game. Tulsa had an opportunity to add to the lead on full 5-on-3 power play late in the period, but were unsuccessful. The Oilers led 1-0 after 20 minutes of play, and outshot Rapid City in the frame 14-8.
The momentum swung in Rapid City’s favor when the Rush went on a 5-on-3 power play of their own in the second period. Austin McKay tied the game on the power play, and Logan Nelson made it 2-1 shortly after the second penalty ended. Bates then set up Garrett Ladd with a pass from behind the net and Ladd tied the score at 2-2, but Hunter Fejes banked in a rebound to give the Rush a 3-2 lead entering the third period.
The Oilers tied the game at 3-3 off of a faceoff win, when Garrett Haar’s shot was tipped into the net by Darcy Murphy 5:02 into the final frame. Ryan Misiak raced in a short-handed breakaway and beat Oilers goaltender Colin Stevens between the legs to put Rapid City in front for good. Fejes deflected in an empty-net goal to seal the 5-3 win. Rush goalie Adam Morrison stopped 35 of 38 shots for his third win against Tulsa this year.
UP NEXT: The Oilers welcome Indy to town Saturday for a 7:05pm puck drop at the BOK Center. Tulsa then finishes off the weekend with a Sunday matinee against the Wichita Thunder at 4:05pm, continuing a season-long eight-game home stand. Fans will have the opportunity to skate with the Oilers after Sunday’s game, with a limited number of skates available for rent.
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