Americans Come Back, Squeak By 'Bugs In Shootout

Published on December 27, 2009 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs News Release


ALLEN, TX - The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs couldn't turn a 3-1 third period lead into a victory Sunday night at the Allen Events Center, falling to the Allen Americans 4-3 in a shootout in their first-ever visit to the AEC. Allen outscored the Mudbugs 2-1 during the shootout to earn its 19th win of the season, while Bossier-Shreveport earned one point with the shootout defeat to stand at 15-11-1.

The 'Bugs scored two powerplay goals in the second period to take the lead, but the Americans tied it up with a pair of goals in the third. Dave Pszenyczny, Travis Clayton and Joe Blaznek scored for the Mudbugs and John DeCaro made 34 saves in the loss.

Allen took the early 1-0 lead in this one when Justin Bowers buried a Christian Gaudet feed in front at 3:44 to put the home team on top. The 'Bugs answered later in the period when Dave Pszenyczny beat Chris Whitley to the glove side, tying the game at one with his fifth goal of the season. The Americans appeared to re-take the lead on the powerplay in the closing minutes of the first, but the goal was waved off and the score stayed 1-1 after one.

In the second period, the Mudbugs took advantage of a five-minute powerplay chance after Gaudet checked Travis Clayton hard into the boards from behind. Clayton was shaken up on the play but returned and promptly scored a powerplay goal, roofing a backhander over Whitley's left shoulder to make it 2-1 Bossier-Shreveport. The 'Bugs extended the lead to 3-1 just 39 seconds later when Joe Blaznek's long slapshot glanced off the leg of a defenseman in front and into the net for his 299th career goal.

Allen stormed back in the third period though, getting a goal from Jarret Lukin just after a powerplay had expired at 9:32 and then tying the game on Jordie Benn's powerplay goal just over two minutes later. The game stayed tied through the remainder of the third and overtime to set up the Mudbugs' third shootout of the season.

Justin Bowers and Colton Yellow Horn both scored during the shootout to put Allen on top 2-0 before Jeff Kyrzakos scored on a slapshot, cutting the lead to one. Chris Whitley would not be beaten again in the shootout though as Allen finished the 4-3 victory.

Whitley finished with 31 saves and improved to 14-5-2, while John DeCaro fell to 9-7-0 to snap a personal four-game win streak. Bossier-Shreveport finished 2 for 7 on the powerplay and Allen converted one of six chances. The Americans outshot the Mudbugs 38-34 in the game.

Bossier-Shreveport will continue a three-game road swing Wednesday night in North Richland Hills, Texas with their third meeting of the year against the Texas Brahmas. The 'Bugs are 1-1 against the Brahmas so far this season with Texas winning 6-4 at the CTC in late October and Bossier-Shreveport earning a 2-1 victory in Texas on November 8. Opening faceoff is set for 7:05 pm with pregame coverage starting at 6:45 on AM 1130 KWKH. The game can also be seen live online on CHL TV.

Season and group tickets are on sale by calling 318-752-BUGS (2847) or by visiting our website at www.mudbugshockey.com.

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Central Hockey League Stories from December 27, 2009


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