MOLINE, Ill. – Thomas Frazee scored twice and had an assist as the Quad City Mallards scored five unanswered goals, en route to a 5-1 victory over the visiting Rapid City Rush before 3,874 fans at i-Wireless Center on Wednesday night. The Mallards took a 2-1 series lead in the best-of-seven opening round series of the CHL Ray Miron Presidents’ Cup Playoffs.
Rapid City’s Sean Erickson opened the scoring at 7:37 of the first period, but not without controversy. The Erickson goal came with another Rush player in the net after falling and sliding in. Referee Zac Blazic appeared to wave off the goal, but after conferring with the linesmen, the goal was awarded.
Frazee scored the first of his two goals at 15:28 of the first period, and Jeff Lee scored what would become the game-winner with 18-seconds left in the opening period.
After a scoreless second period, the Mallards pulled away with three unanswered goals. Mike Stinziani scored on a breakaway at 11:18, and Frazee scored an empty-net goal with 1:15 left before Jordan Mayer scored on a breakaway with 18-seconds left in the game.
Mallards goalie Thomas Heemskerk picked up his second-straight win, stopping 30-of-31 Rapid City shots. Tim Boron tallied 20-saves as the Mallards managed to grab a four-goal win, despite being out-shot 31-25.
The Mallards host the Rush for game four on Friday night and game five on Saturday. If necessary, the series will shift back to Rapid City for games six and seven.
Photos courtesy of Rich Guill (Sean Flynn Photography)