Oilers split with Rush

Scott Macauley (8) battles Rush's Kale Kerbashian (22)

RAPID CITY, SD — The Tulsa Oilers concluded their season series with the Rapid City Rush over the weekend as they traveled north to the Rushmore Civic Center for a pair of games that extended and then ended a season-long win streak.

On Friday night, the Oilers nabbed an overtime win off the stick of  Dave Pszenyczny, who lifted a backhand over Rush goalie John Griggs with just 15 seconds remaining in the extra session to give Tulsa its fifth consecutive win and sixth straight road triumph.

The Oilers led for most of that game, leading by as much as three goals before blowing the lead and heading into overtime. It was nearly a repeat of an earlier tilt in the BOK Center on December 30th when the Oilers roared out to a 3-0 lead before surrendering the lead and losing 5-3. It didn’t happen and the Oilers gained the second point in the overtime win.

Adam Pleskach trips over Rush goalie John Griggs.

On Saturday night the Oilers didn’t have as much luck as they never led in the game and dropped a 6-2 decision in their final game against Rapid City this season.

Matt Larke and Jeff Jubinville were the only goal scorers In Saturday’s game as the Rush came out focused on the mission. The loss ended the 5-game win streak (and six game road win streak) as the brutal 8-game road trip is near its end.

Two games remain for Tulsa on this trip, the first coming on Friday against Missouri, and concluding on Saturday at Quad City. After that, only seven games stand on the Oilers home schedule before the playoff which they should qualify for if they manage to stay focused. The problem they are having seems to be a defensive one, and that might be the chink in their armor other teams may be able to exploit.

There is a lot of hockey to be played, and the next home game for Tulsa is on March 13th when the Wichita Thunder come to town for the first time since December. It is the first of a weekend set of games that feature the Thunder, and two games with Brampton. After that there are two games with Allen and Missouri at home before the regular season ends for the Oilers on April 11 in Quad City.

Tickets for the remainder of the Oilers home schedule are available and can be purchased at the BOK Center box office.