Wichita Opens Series With Win Vs. Rush

WICHITA, Kan. (Dec. 21) – Wichita opened up a three-game series on Wednesday night against Rapid City, claiming a 6-3 win at INTRUST Bank Arena. 

Michal Stinil led the way with a goal and two helpers while Brayden Watts, Cole MacDonald and Dominic Dockery each finished with two points.

Watts opened up the scoring at 14:33 of the first period. He fired a one-timer from the right circle on the power play for his first of two on the night. 

Alex Aleardi tied the game at 15:22. Lucas Feuk fed a pass to him in front of the net and he lifted it over Evan Buitenhuis for his 13th of the year. 

Just 15 seconds later, Dominic Dockery fired a shot on net from the left point and Kelly Bent tipped it past Daniil Chechelev to make it 2-1. 

In the second, Peter Bates increased the lead to 3-1 with a highlight reel goal. He stole the puck near the Rapid City line, came in on a breakaway and beat Chechelev for his fourth of the year. 

Watts tallied his second on the power play at 10:23 as he fired a one-timer from the edge of the right circle to make it 4-1. 

Stinil added another at 16:13 to make it 5-1. Jay Dickman stole the puck near the bench area and found Stinil. He came in on a two-on-one and fired a shot through Chechelev for his 11th of the season. 

Rapid City tried to mount a late comeback in the third period. Brett Gravelle beat Buitenhuis at 12:28 to make it 5-2. Logan Nelson cut the lead to two at 12:43 as he stole the puck near the left post and popped home a backhand.

The Rush called a late timeout and pulled Chechelev with just under two minutes left. MacDonald iced the game with an empty-netter at 19:01 to make it 6-3. 

Watts has six points in his last four games and three goals over his last two. Stinil recorded his seventh multi-point outing in his last nine games. Dockery and MacDonald each had a goal and an assist. Buitenhuis finished with 44 saves.

Wichita and Rapid City play the second of a three-game set tomorrow night at 7:05 at INTRUST Bank Arena.

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