El Paso Rhinos @ Phoenix Knights
01.22.16 – Phoenix 3, El Paso 1
01.23.16 – El Paso 4, Phoenix 2
01.24.16 – El Paso 5, Phoenix 1
The El Paso Rhinos saw their losing streak hit seven games with a loss in the series opener, but rallied to win the next two games playing on the road at Phoenix.
A second-period goal by Hunter Dragosh held up as the game-winner on Friday in a 3-1 Knights victory.
Phoenix led, 1-0, after one period on a goal by Brennan Johnsson. Dragosh and Alexander Falk added second period tallies to give the Knights a three-goal lead.
The Rhinos ripped 46 shots at the Phoenix net, but Luke Stripp turned aside 45.
Ryan Buttazoni turned in a 36-save performance for the Rhinos, but got little goal support.
The Rhinos snapped their losing streak with a 4-2 win on Saturday. Connor Beaudet scored twice, Mathew Smishek provided the game-winner and Benjamin Dennis stopped 32 of 34 shots in his El Paso debut.
Austin Eyler was busy in the Phoenix crease, making 45 saves.
The Rhinos won back-to-back games for the first time since before Christmas with a 5-1 win on Sunday to take the series.
The Rhinos led, 2-1, at the second intermission, but broke out for three unanswered goals in the third period. Petr Ceslik (2-1-3) and Kristers Bormanis (1-2-3) each had three points and Dennis won again, stopping 33 of 34 shots for El Paso.
Stripp made 45 more saves for Phoenix and stopped 90 of 95 shots in the series.
-WSHL
