DeCaro, Mudbugs Win Goaltender's Duel
November 8, 2007 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs News Release
BOSSIER CITY, LA - The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs won in front of their home fans for the first time this season on Thursday night, defeating the Tulsa Oilers 1-0 in a defensive struggle at CenturyTel Center. Karlis Zirnis fed a beautiful centering pass that was finished off in front by Joe Ori for the game's only goal with 6:57 left in regulation.
The contest was a goaltender's duel for two periods, with both teams generating some good chances but unable to score. The Mudbugs played a strong first period and held an 11-7 shot advantage over the Oilers after one.
After the Mudbugs had the only power play opportunity of the opening period, the teams traded chances in the second and both registered nine shots on goal as the game stayed scoreless. Late in the period, Darryl Lloyd was called for a five-minute charging major, but as the extended Oilers power play carried over into the third period, Bossier-Shreveport was able to kill it off.
Finally as the scoreless tie wore on, the Mudbugs were able to break through. On a great cycling play, Daniel Pegoraro got the puck to Karlis Zirnis behind the net. Zirnis fought off a Tulsa defender and made a great pass between his legs to a streaking Joe Ori in front. Ori finished off the play against former Mudbugs goaltender Kevin St. Pierre, scoring his team-best fourth goal of the season to put the 'Bugs on top. John DeCaro slammed the door for the final seven minutes of regulation and Bossier-Shreveport would hold on to the one-goal advantage to win their second consecutive game.
DeCaro's 25-save shutout of the Oilers is his first of the season and the third of his Mudbugs career. St. Pierre stopped 32 Mudbugs shots in the loss. Both teams finished the contest 0-for-6 on the power play.
Bossier-Shreveport will now have Friday night off before staying at home to face the Austin Ice Bats on Saturday night at the CenturyTel Center at 7:05 pm. Before the game with the Mudbugs, Austin will be hosting Youngstown on Friday night at home. The 'Bugs match up with Austin will be their first this season against a Southern Conference team. Individual tickets are available through Ticketmaster at 318-741-9700 and group tickets can be purchased by calling the Mudbugs office at 318-752-BUGS.
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