Mavericks Win Game Three Thriller in Overtime, 3-2, Over Rapid City

The Missouri Mavericks defeated the Rapid City Rush, 3-2, in an overtime thriller Wednesday night at Independence Events Center.  Mavericks’ forward Kellan Tochkin scored the game-winning goal on the power play just 3:50 into overtime, and the Mavericks now trail the Rush two games to one in the best-of-seven series.  Andrew Courtney scored the first two goals for Missouri and Dave Pszenyczny added two assists, and goaltender Mathieu Corbeil earned his first win in his first professional playoff start.  The Rush was led by Damian Surma who had a goal and an assist.

The physical play started from the opening faceoff, but neither team was able to light the lamp in the first period.  Shots were even at 9-9, and Rapid City was awarded the only power play in the opening 20 minutes.

For the third straight game, the Rush scored the opening goal when Scott Brannon capitalized on a two-on-one and beat Mavericks’ goaltender Mathieu Corbeil.  Rush forwards Dan Gendur and Damian Surma earned the assists on the play, but the Mavericks quickly tied the game.  Andrew Courtney was left alone as he came out of the penalty box and he beat Rush goaltender Tim Boron five-hole to tie the game at one.

In the third period, Surma scored his first goal of the post-season after a turnover in the Mavericks’ zone at the 8:29 mark.  Courtney again tied the game on his second goal of the evening.  He redirected a shot by Dave Pszenyczny and beat Boron for a second time.  The game remained tied and was sent into sudden death overtime.

Missouri earned the first real chance in the overtime period and they took advantage of their first power play opportunity in the extra frame.  Tochkin won the game on a pass from Dave Pszenyczny just 3:50 into the period.  It marked the Mavericks first power play goal of the series and gave the Mavericks their first win in the best-of-seven series.

Missouri finished 1-for-3 on the power play and Rapid City was 0-for-4.  Corbeil stopped 23 of 25 shots in the win for Missouri while Boron made 27 saves on 30 shots.

The fifth-seeded Mavericks will host game four on Friday, April 5 and game five on Saturday, April 6 at Independence Events Center.