The El Paso Rhinos gave the Tulsa Rampage its first loss of the new season and tied Tulsa at 6-1-0 atop the Mid-West Division with a 5-1 win in Tulsa, OK, Friday night.
The Rampage started the scoring as Patrick Webster beat El Paso goaltender Andrew Duff at 13:03 of the first period. But not only was this to be the lone goal allowed by Duff on the night, his teammates took just eight seconds to equalize as Mike Vallier beat Zac Enstrom at 13:11.
Nick Gualano got the game-winner on an unassisted power play goal at 4:48 of the second period, followed just over five minutes later by Austin Balko.
Anthony Knuth put in another power play goal at 12:10 of the third period and Balko wrapped up the scoring at 15:14 with the Rhinos\’ fifth goal.
Since dropping their first game of the season, 5-2, to the Boulder Bison, El Paso has won six straight to go 6-1, not scoring fewer than five goals in each of its wins.
Duff\’s play in net has also been stellar for the Rhinos since the loss to Boulder. The Brighton, MI, native allowed three goals in El Paso\’s next game, but has not let in more than two goals since and allowed only two over his team\’s last three games.
The Rhinos, three-time defending champions of the Mid-West Division, will play the Rampage twice more over the weekend, on Saturday and Sunday. El Paso fans can watch the game at www.tulsarampage.com.
The Rhinos will open their home schedule Oct. 27th with a three-game weekend series against the Bison. For season tickets and information, call the front office at 915.479.PUCK (7825) or go to www.elpasorhinos.com.
