BOISE, Idaho – The Idaho Steelheads (11-7-4) battled to come back late in the game but came up short in a 4-2 loss to the Rapid City Rush (14-5-3) on Saturday night from CenturyLink Arena in front of 5,012 fans, the fourth sellout of the season.
The Rush netted the lone goal of the first period at 8:48 thanks to a fortunate bounce and lead up for forward Keeghan Howdeshell to take the early 1-0 lead. The road side also tallied the next two goals of the second period with a shorthanded tally by forward Brennan Saulnier at 8:10 and another solid bounce to forward Giovanni Fiore in the middle of the slot at 11:20 to stretch the lead to 3-0.
The Steelheads answered back at 15:57 of the second period to begin the comeback bid with a bank shot off the back of the Rush netminder done by forward Anthony Nellis, breaking the shutout bid and cutting the lead to 3-1.
In the third period, the first shorthanded goal of the season built momentum on their bid at 10:34 when Steelheads forward Max Coatta fought the puck out of his zone and ran it in for a breakaway goal to draw the home side within one, 3-2. However, despite a late power play, the Rush got an empty net goal from Fiore at 19:58 to end the comeback and seal the 4-2 score.
Rush netminder Tyler Parks (7-1-3) turned aside 49 of 51 shots in the win, while Steelheads goaltender Tomas Sholl (9-3-3) halted nine of 12 shots in the loss.
The Steelheads host the Allen Americans on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 7:05 p.m. from CenturyLink Arena to open a three-game week. Tickets are available by calling 208-331-TIXS(8497) or going to idahosteelheads.com. Coverage begins at 6:50 p.m. on 1350 KTIK-AM “The Ticket” and at 7:00 p.m. on Sparklight Ch. 72 & ECHL.tv.
Call the Steelheads Front Office at 208-383-0080 to plan your seats for this season, including single-game, flex plans and season tickets. Stay connected to the Steelheads on idahosteelheads.com or by following the team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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