I actually don't think they were outmatched - it was pretty even and Poulin didn't have a great game. Though Bold wasn't his usual self either.
Curtis Knight was a monster for Edmonton (6-3) but the most impressive part of the Rush is their D - you have guys like Corbeil, Thompson and Dilks that are all speed but then a rough n' tumble guy like Rubisch who is just a beast.
The Rush have by far the most athletic D in the league and it is what drives their success. They also don't run out of gas - the Riggers usually have gas in the tank in the 4th when other teams run out - they used that to outscore their opponents 13-2 last week on the road in the 4ths to get come from behind wins.
That doesn't work against the Rush. Not only did they not run out of gas - it looked like they had plenty left.
This is a DAMN good team but the Riggers actually hung with them last night.
The Riggers had all the momentum and finally tied it only to have a horrible bounce off the end boards to Loewen point blank on Poulin. That was the game.
I'm not sure if it would be better to beat the Rush next weekend or have them win again and then try to surprise them in the playoffs. 'Course the Roughnecks have to get through Colorado first and that's not going to be easy.
Most positive thing about last night was 15K+ in the stands. Haven't seen a crowd like that since they gave away free tickets a few years back. Great crowd.
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