Neither team gained more than a two-goal lead, and Jack Strusz\’s goal in the second period proved to be the difference maker.
El Paso Rhinos was sparked by Strusz, who racked up one goal. Strusz scored 12:20 into the second period to make the score 4-3 El Paso Rhinos. Chad Cesarz picked up the assist.
El Paso Rhinos\’ penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on four Phoenix Knights power plays. El Paso Rhinos could not produce up to it normal offensive output. El Paso Rhinos puts an average of 7.8 pucks into the net per game. Phoenix Knights was unable to stop El Paso Rhinos from sending pucks towards the net, and El Paso Rhinos eventually piled up 33 shots on goal. El Paso Rhinos\’ defensemen played an important role in the offense, chipping in two goals.
El Paso Rhinos also got points from Cesarz, who also finished with one goal and one assist. Others who scored for El Paso Rhinos included Peter Plesa, Jeremy Rezaeepour, and Roman Konecny, who each put in one. In addition, El Paso Rhinos received assists from Matthew Plesa, who had two and David Nelson, Nick Plesa, and Dakota Beaulieu, who each chipped in one.
Phoenix Knights did not reach the goal total it has come to expect this season. Phoenix Knights averages 5.7 goals per game. Phoenix Knights forced El Paso Rhinos goalie Oliver Gervais to work between the pipes, taking 37 shots. Phoenix Knights\’ defense let in more goals than it usually has this year. Phoenix Knights is averaging 2.5 goals against for the season.
Phoenix Knights was led by Jordan Cullum, who registered one goal and one assist. Cullum scored 6:59 into the first period to make the score 2-1 Phoenix Knights. Colin Bresnehan provided the assist. Phoenix Knights additionally got points from Max Mahood, who also tallied one goal and one assist. Ryan McNeely also scored for Phoenix Knights. Other players who recorded assists for Phoenix Knights were Robert Smith, David Hornak, and Kelby Minshull, who contributed one a piece.
