Bugs Take Control of Series with Game 4 Win
May 6, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs News Release
BOSSIER CITY, LA - The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs scored three goals in 61 seconds early in the third period to take a five-goal lead on their way to a 6-4 victory over the Allen Americans in Game 4 of the Berry Conference Finals Friday night at the CenturyTel Center. The Mudbugs now lead the best-of-seven series 3-1, giving them an opportunity to eliminate Allen and advance to the President's Cup Finals in Game 5 Sunday afternoon at t he CenturyTel Center.
Jamie Milam scored two goals and had an assist in the game, while Travis Clayton finished with a goal and an assist as the 'Bugs built a 6-1 lead with three goals in 1:01 early in the third period. Justin Aikins also had two assists and John DeCaro stopped 25 shots in his eighth win of the playoffs.
The 'Bugs gained an early lead just over four minutes in when Jamie Milam one-timed a shot past Chris Whitley from the high slot to put the 'Bugs ahead 1-0. Allen countered during a four-on-four situation later in the period as Colton Yellow Horn broke into the Mudbugs' zone and used the defenseman as a screen before wristing a perfect shot into the top corner of DeCaro's net to tie the game at 17:12.
Milam's second goal came just 1:48 into the second when he one-timed a soft clearing attempt past Whitley's right skate from the blueline, giving the Mudbugs a 2-1 edge. Late in the period Travis Clayton won an offensive zone draw back to the point and then drove to the front, deflecting Michael Couch's shot into the net to make it 3-1 through two periods.
Bossier-Shreveport then exploded for three goals in the first four minutes of the third, starting when David Rutherford's back-door pass to Justin Aikins bounced off an Allen defender and in. Chris Whitley was then lifted in favor of back-up netminder Scott Campbell, who was beaten 21 seconds later when Steven Crampton scored from the low slot to finish a great offensive shift with Brett Smith and Andy Contois.
With the 'Bugs on the powerplay 40 seconds after that, Jeff Kryzakos sent a backhander past Campbell to make it 6-1 with his team-leading eighth goal of the playoffs, finishing off the three-goal barrage. Whitley then re-entered the game for the Americans in goal. Allen finished the contest with three goals in less than four minutes later in the third, making the score close on two powerplay tallies from Nino Musitelli and another at even strength from Judd Blackwater.
John DeCaro (8-2) now leads the CHL playoffs with eight wins after the 25-save effort as Bossier-Shreveport outshot Allen 30-29. Chris Whitley gave up four goals on 27 shots, but Campbell (0-1) was tagged with the loss after making one save and giving up two goals in just over two minutes of play. The 'Bugs were 1 for 6 on the powerplay and the Americans finished 2 for 7.
Now the Mudbugs will look to eliminate the Governors' Cup Champion Americans and advance to the President's Cup Finals for the first time since 2006 with a victory in Game 5 on Sunday. Opening faceoff is set for 4:05 pm at the CenturyTel Center. Mudbugs group ticket packages can be purchased by phone at 318-752-BUGS or in person at the team office inside the CenturyTel Center.
Single game playoff tickets are also available at the CenturyTel Center box office, through Ticketmaster at 318-741-9700 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. For all the latest team news and information, visit www.mudbugshockey.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from May 6, 2011
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