Colorado Curse Continues: 'Bugs Fall 5-4 in OT

Published on January 17, 2010 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs News Release


LOVELAND, CO - Mark Johnson's goal with just 35 seconds left in regulation helped the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs force overtime and earn one point, but Ryan McLeod scored the game-winner as the Colorado Eagles got a 5-4 victory Saturday night at the Budweiser Events Center. Despite back-to-back losses to the Eagles, the Mudbugs have earned points in seven of their past nine games to stay in third place in the Northern Conference at 18-13-4.

Justin Aikins had a goal and two assists for the ‘Bugs, while Mark Johnson scored twice and David Rutherford had a goal and an assist. Ken Carroll made 32 saves in the overtime loss, which was Bossier-Shreveport's ninth straight against Colorado including regular season and playoffs.

The teams played a high-scoring first period for the second consecutive night, with the Eagles leading 3-2 after one. Adam Hogg scored twice in the first 3:10 of the game to give Colorado the early advantage. Mark Johnson then scored his first of the night on a powerplay rebound to make it 2-1 at 8:49.

The ‘Bugs appeared to tie the game at two a few minutes later, but the goal was waved off after it was ruled that Brett Smith kicked the puck into the net. When Smith was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct after arguing the call, Colorado's Jim Jackson scored on the ensuing powerplay to make it 3-1. David Rutherford then got the Mudbugs back within one with his third goal of the season at 15:25.

The Eagles built on the lead when Jackson scored again midway through the second period to put the home team up 4-2. Again the ‘Bugs cut the lead to one when Justin Aikins picked up a rebound in front and beat Mike Mole top shelf to make it 4-3 after two periods.

Bossier-Shreveport battled throughout the third period and tied it at four in the final minute when Scott Kalinchuk's long shot led to a scrum in front, where Johnson banged in his second of the night to force overtime.

The Eagles' game-winner came at 2:04 of the extra session after the ‘Bugs broke up a Jim Jackson centering pass only to have the puck go right to McLeod, who fired it home to end the game 5-4.

Ken Carroll falls to 8-6-2 this season after making 30+ saves for the fourth straight start. Mike Mole stopped 37 shots in the win as the Mudbugs outshot Colorado 41-37. The ‘Bugs converted one of five powerplay chances while the Eagles were 1 for 2.

With their five-game, two-week road trip now concluded, the Mudbugs will head home for a pair of games next week at the CenturyTel Center. The ‘Bugs host Rio Grande Valley Wednesday at 7:05 pm for 98 Rocks "Back in Black" Night, when we encourage fans to help us "Black Out" the Killer Bees by wearing all black to the game. Bossier-Shreveport will then take on Wichita Thursday night at the CTC.

Mudbugs group ticket packages and mini-plans are available through the team office at 752-BUGS, while individual tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster at 741-9700 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

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Central Hockey League Stories from January 17, 2010


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