Brahmas Edge Mudbugs in Overtime

March 1, 2008 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs News Release


NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TX - Kevin McLeod's second goal of the night was also the game-winner at 2:05 of overtime as the Texas Brahmas knocked off the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs 3-2 in overtime Saturday night at the NyTex Sports Centre.

Chris Brassard had a goal and an assist as the Mudbugs did gain one point in the overtime loss, running their season total to 85. The Mudbugs still lead Laredo by eight points for the CHL's best record and have a 14-point advantage on Rocky Mountain for the top spot in the Northern Conference. Youngstown and Mississippi both won on Saturday night as well, so the Brahmas will stay in the fifth spot in the Northern Conference after Saturday's win.

The teams would first trade powerplay goals that were scored in almost exactly the same way in the opening period. Texas got the first tally when Kevin McLeod's wrist shot from the point found the top corner behind a screened Ken Carroll to put the Brahmas on top at 6:37. Shortly afterward, the Mudbugs would get a powerplay of their own and cash it in just over a minute later. This time it was Dale Lupul's wrist shot from the blueline that went past Brett Jaeger through traffic to tie it up for Bossier-Shreveport. Late in the period, it was the ‘Bugs who capitalized on another Texas powerplay chance. Brett Smith skated down the right wing side a fed a pass for Brassard, whose slapshot was deflected past Jaeger to put Bossier-Shreveport on top 2-1 after the first.

The Mudbugs held the one-goal lead throughout most of the second period as both teams missed on two powerplay chances. Late in the period though, a nice even strength play tied it up for Texas . Jordan Cameron gave the puck to Anders Strome and went to the net. Carroll stopped Strome's initial shot, but Cameron was there to put home his 26th goal of the season on the rebound to knot the game at two after two periods.

The third period was a little tighter checking between the teams, but the Bugs got a few nice saves from Ken Carroll to keep it tied despite three Brahmas powerplays in the final 20 minutes. Bossier-Shreveport missed on its only man advantage of the third and was outshot 12-5 before going to overtime for the sixth time this season.

After the Mudbugs controlled the puck in the offensive zone, Anders Strome came away with speed and had a 1-on-1 against Quade Lightbody. Strome waited for the late man into the play before sliding a pass in front to McLeod, who finished off the game-winning play.

The Mudbugs fall to 1-5 in extra time this season (1-3 in overtime and 0-2 in shootouts), while Texas moved to 4-1. The Bugs ended up with a 28-24 shot advantage in the game and went 1 for 6 on the powerplay, while the Brahmas converted 1 of 7 chances.

The Mudbugs will now have five days off for the first time since mid-January for heading on their last long road trip of the season. The Bugs will be in Corpus Christi next Friday and Laredo next Saturday before heading to Rio Grande Valley to close out their Southern Conference schedule on Tuesday, March 11th. Don't forget to get your Mudbugs fix on Monday night though, as we will have another edition of Powerplay with Scott Muscutt, the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs Coaches Show from 6 to 7 at Buffalo Wild Wings on the Louisiana Boardwalk. If you can't make it out to watch the show live, you can also catch it on 1130 AM KWKH.



Central Hockey League Stories from March 1, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central