Bradford scored at 6:46 into the first period to make the score 1-0 El Paso Rhinos and again while 14:21 into the third to make the score 4-2 El Paso Rhinos.
El Paso Rhinos pulled out the victory even though it was hit with 18 penalty minutes.
El Paso Rhinos excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in seven chances.
El Paso Rhinos also got points from Peter Plesa, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. El Paso Rhinos also had goals scored by Jeremy Rezaeepour and Jack Strusz, who each put in one. More assists for El Paso Rhinos came via Tom Bartel, Dakota Beaulieu, and Chris Wilhite, who contributed one a piece and Chad Cesarz, David Nelson, and Matthew Plesa, who each chipped in two.
Phoenix Knights stifled El Paso Rhinos’ power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. Phoenix Knights’ offense operated below it season average. Phoenix Knights averages 4.9 goals per game. Phoenix Knights forced El Paso Rhinos goalie Oliver Gervais to work between the pipes, taking 33 shots.
Phoenix Knights was helped by Robert Crisci, who finished with one goal. Crisci scored 8:20 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Jordan Cullum picked up the assist. Phoenix Knights additionally got points from Cullum, who also tallied one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. In addition, Phoenix Knights received assists from Max Mahood and Kelby Minshull, who contributed one a piece.
El Paso Rhinos’ Gervais stopped 31 shots out of the 33 that he faced. El Paso Rhinos registered zero goals on three power play opportunities. Alex Taylor recorded 24 saves for Phoenix Knights. Phoenix Knights incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors.
