DeCaro gets another shutout in win

December 21, 2007 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs News Release


OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - John DeCaro recorded his fourth shutout of the season, making 41 saves as Bossier-Shreveport knocked off Oklahoma City 2-0 on Friday night at the Ford Center.

Karlis Zirnis' goal with 33 seconds remaining in the first period proved to be the game-winner, and Daniel Pegoraro's empty net goal sealed it as the Mudbugs won their fourth game in a row.

The ‘Bugs had a pair of great scoring chances and two powerplays in the first 15 minutes of the game, but weren't able to best goaltender Sean Connors. After killing of an Oklahoma City powerplay, the Mudbugs struck first before the period was out. On a great puck movement play, Chris Brassard got a pass from Dale Lupul and then gave it to Brett Smith. Smith fed Zirnis, who rifled a beautiful wrist shot over the shoulder of Connors to put Bossier-Shreveport up 1-0 with just 33 seconds remaining in the period.

After being outshot 13-8 in the first period, the Blazers returned the favor in the second, outshooting the Mudbugs 16-8 in the period. John DeCaro didn't flinch in the second though, despite facing those shots and two Oklahoma City powerplays that were both killed off by Bossier-Shreveport.

The Blazers' shot barrage continued into the third period, where they outshot the Mudbugs 17-7, but never could penetrate John DeCaro to get the equalizer. With Sean Connors pulled for the extra attacker late in regulation, Jason Basile freed the puck at neutral ice for Pegoraro, who scored the empty-netter to wrap up the victory for Bossier-Shreveport by a final score of 2-0.

The Mudbugs were outshot 41-28 in the game, and despite generating a number of good scoring chances, they were outshot 33-15 in the final two periods. Both teams finishing 0 for 4 on the powerplay.

Up next for the Mudbugs will be a short turnaround for their final game before Christmas. Bossier-Shreveport will head home to take on the Youngstown SteelHounds on Saturday night at the CenturyTel Center . Don't forget about the special holiday events happening during Saturday's game as well. We will be giving away team holiday posters, auctioning off the specialty Christmas jerseys the team will wear during the game, and have a post-game public skate with the players as well. Saturday's game with Youngstown will get underway at 7:05 pm.



Central Hockey League Stories from December 21, 2007


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