Bugs Win in OT to Force Game 5
Published on April 22, 2011 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs News Release
TULSA, OK - Andy Contois netted the game-winning goal at 7:27 of overtime to lift the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs to a 3-2 victory over the Tulsa Oilers in Game 4 of the Berry Conference Semifinals Friday night at the BOK Center. The win ties the best-of-five series at two games apiece and forces a deciding Game 5 at 7:05 pm Saturday night at the CenturyTel Center.
Jim Jorgensen and Jeff Kyrzakos scored the other two goals for Bossier-Shreveport and John DeCaro made 29 saves in goal. The overtime winner was the first of the playoffs for Contois, who was back in the lineup after missing the last two games.
Both teams missed on one powerplay apiece before Tulsa scored on its second man-advantage of the game when John DeCaro made the initial save on Bates Battaglia only to have the former NHLer poke the rebound past him at 12:15. The âBugs outshot the Oilers 8-7 after 20 minutes, but trailed 1-0 after just their second powerplay goal-against this postseason.
The two clubs again traded unsuccessful powerplays early in the second before David Rutherford exited the penalty box and created a scoring chance. Rutherford fed the puck to Jim Jorgensen after initial shot was blocked, allowing Jorgensen skate into the slot and beat Ian Keserich high to the stick-side and tie the game at one. The âBugs killed off two more Tulsa powerplays in the second and went to the third in a 1-1 tie.
The âBugs took their first lead of the night off an Oilers' turnover when Shawn Limpright fed Jeff Kyrzakos, who ripped a shot short-side on Keserich to put the âBugs on top 2-1 at 5:07. Tulsa tied it again later in the period though, generating a number of chances before Mike Beausoleil knocked in the game-tying goal at 13:40. The Mudbugs killed off a late 5-on-3 powerplay chance for Tulsa and the game went to overtime.
Then in the OT, Steven Crampton broke through center ice and drew the defense toward him before dishing to Contois, who beat Keserich low to the stick side for the winning goal.
John DeCaro (4-1) stopped 29 shots in the win, as did Ian Keserich (1-2) in the loss. The âBugs finished with a 32-31 shot advantage but were 0 for 3 on the powerplay, while Tulsa finished 1 for 7.
With the series now tied at two games apiece, the Mudbugs and Oilers will return to Bossier City for the deciding Game 5 Saturday at 7:05 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 April 22, 2011
- Allen Wins Game Five to End Jacks' Season - Odessa Jackalopes
- Bugs Win in OT to Force Game 5 - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Komets even series with 4-1 win over Rush - Fort Wayne Komets
- Komets Force Game #5 with 4-1 Win; Game #5 Set for Sunday @ 6:05PM at the RPCC - Rapid City Rush
- Mudbugs Face Must-Win Game 4 Tonight - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Shots from the Point for April 22 - CHL
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