PHN’s Best Shots of the Game: Mallards break loose in third, down Rush 4-1

MOLINE, Ill. – Vladimir Nikiforov scored what proved to be the game winner and Matt Carey provided a goal and an assist as the host Quad City Mallards (25-22-5) ripped off three unanswered third period goals to defeat the Rapid City Rush (21-27-5) 4-1 Friday night.

Nikiforov broke a 1-1 tie at 6:42 of the third with a wrist shot from the right wing circle. At 8:40 Neal’s tip-in doubled the Mallard lead. Bussieres swooped across the goal mouth to cap off the third period onslaught at the 13:55 mark.

The Mallards had first moved in front when Matt Neal tipped in a power play goal at 7:43 of the first period.

Rapid City’s Danick Gauthier tied the score at one from close range at 3:36 of the second period but Rush would have no answer for the Mallards in the third.

The Mallards host the Rush again tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. Tomorrow evening will be both Frozen Night and John Deere Community Night at the iWireless Center. Young Mallards fans will have the chance to meet and have their photos taken with the princesses during the game on the iWireless Center concourse. Courtesy of Deere & Company, a limited number of tickets for tomorrow night’s game are available exclusively at the iWireless Center box office for just $5 while supplies last.

After tomorrow night’s game fans can head to Blackwater Jack’s Saloon at Stoney Creek Inn for a postgame party at which Mallards players and the Mallards Ice Girls will be among the guests. The postgame party will also feature selected drink specials. Stoney Creek Inn is located at 101 18th Street in Moline, just blocks from the iWireless Center.