RAPID CITY - Miguel Beaudry's showed why he is a former Central Hockey League all-star.
The Rapid City Rush goaltender stopped 27 shots Saturday and posted the team's first-ever shutout, 4-0, in its home opener.
"It couldn't come at a better time because we treated this as a must-win coming in," Beaudry said. "I just stayed focused the whole 60 minutes and not wandering off mentally. I just stayed in the moment the whole time and took it one shot at a time."
Beaudry was especially tough on Colorado when the Eagles had a man advantage. After allowing four power-play goals to the Eagles Friday night, Rapid City blanked Colorado on their seven attempts Saturday.
"We played with a lot more composure on the power play," he said. "Everyone stayed calm and didn't run around. It is a small thing but it makes a huge difference."
Playing in the new arena seemed to suit the Rush goalie just fine, as he had little trouble picking up the puck even with some traffic in front of the net.
"(The lighting) is unbelievable. It is so great and so bright in there and we noticed that the first time we practiced," he said.
Beaudry, who was an all-star with the New Mexico Scorpions during the 2004-2005 season, saw the victory as one that could be a big building block for himself and the team.
"Every time during the season, you look back to that one game where it is a turning point in the season, and we hope that we can use this game as a launch pad for the rest of the season," he said.
The shutout was especially impressive as it came one night after the Rush allowed seven goals to the Eagles, including six in the second period Friday.
Beaudry gave plenty of credit to his teammates' defense for the shutout win.
"Those guys did great," he said. "The addition of Eric Nelson was huge because he was hurt and hasn't played on the road for us. He is a veteran defenseman, great skater who stays at home and helps us tremendously."
 Title: Rapid City Rush
Date: November 28th, 2008 Follow the Rush at www.rapidcityjournal.com. |
