Rush quick start doesn’t convert to goals in 8-3 loss to Americans

Despite an awesome offensive showing out of the gate, the Rapid City Rush found itself on the receiving end of an 8-3 thrashing at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center against the Allen Americans in its ECHL season opener on Friday (Oct. 13, 2017).

The Rush, ECHL affiliate of the Minnesota Wild and Iowa Wild, dominated on the shot clock with a 17-7 edge through the first 20 minutes but trailed 3-2 against the powerful Americans, ECHL affiliate of the San Jose Sharks and San Jose Barracuda.

Americans flipped the script in the second period, holding a 16-7 edge in shots and using that margin to pile on four more goals and a 7-3 lead heading to the final 20.

Storm Phaneuf started in goal for the Rush, but was relieved by Christian Frey before the halfway mark of the second after surrendering five goals on 13 shots. Frey went on to stop 15 of 18 through the final 31:36 and Stephon Williams turned aside 28 shots for the Americans.

Kyle Dutra, Kenton Miller and Darik Angeli scored the Rush goals while Zach Pochiro led the home side with two goals and three assists. Jonathan Lessard also scored twice with Olivier Archambault firing a goal and three assists. Casey Pierro-Zabotel collected a goal and two assists with single goals for Alex Schoenborn and Joel Chouinard.

The Rush will look to turn things around on Saturday when it wraps up a two-game season opening homestand against the Americans.