Late Goal Gives Bugs Game 3 Win, 2-1 Series Lead
May 4, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs News Release
ALLEN, TX - Nick Layton and David Rutherford hooked up on the winning goal with just 1:11 remaining to give the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs a 3-2 victory over the Allen Americans in Game 3 of the Berry Conference Finals Wednesday at the Allen Event Center. After winning two of three games played in Allen to start the best-of-seven series, the Mudbugs will now bring a 2-1 series l ead back to the CenturyTel Center for Game 4 Friday night at 7:05.
Overtime appeared imminent when the Americans tied the game with just over a minute remaining, but Rutherford's play at center helped set up Layton's game-winner just over one minute later. Rutherford finished with a goal and an assist in the contest, while Jamie Milam scored the ¬ËBugs other goal.
Allen started the game with two straight powerplays and a 5-2 early shot advantage, but the ¬ËBugs killed off both to keep the Americans off the board. Bossier-Shreveport then went on top 1-0 after a hard-working shift that concluded with David Rutherford sending a backhand wraparound shot into the top part of the net at 12:40. Each team sent six shots on goal in the first and the Mudbugs went to the locker room with a 1-0 lead.
The Americans skated to an 11-4 shot edge in the second frame and had two more powerplays, but couldn't beat John DeCaro as the game stayed 1-0 going into the third.
The Mudbugs went on an extended powerplay when Kip Brennan was issued a five-minute major penalty for boarding Brett Smith early in the third, but it was Allen who would capitalize first on Tobias Whelan's shorthanded goal at 4:09. Bossier-Shreveport got that goal back shortly after when Jamie Milam wristed a puck past Chris Whitely from the high slot for a powerplay goal.
It seemed the game was headed for extra time when Zion one-timed a point blast through traffic and into John DeCaro's five-hole with only 2:16 remaining. But then with just over a minute left, Rutherford stole the puck from Scott Langdon at center ice and headed into Allen ice with Layton. Rutherford's cross-ice pass was deflected on the way through, but Layton quickly picked it up and fired it past Whitley to put the ¬ËBugs ahead to stay at 3-2.
John DeCaro (7-2) made 27 saves on the way to his seventh win of the playoffs as Bossier-Shreveport was outshot 29-18. Chris Whitley (7-4) stopped 15 shots in the loss for Allen. The Mudbugs' penalty killing unit rebounded in a big way with a 4-for-4 effort, while the ¬ËBugs scored once in three powerplay chances of their own.
With the ¬ËBugs leading 2-1 after three games in Allen, the series now shifts to Bossier City for the next two contests. Games 4 and 5 are set for Friday at 7:05 pm and Sunday at 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 .
Season and group tickets are on sale by calling 318-752-BUGS (2847) or by visiting our website at www.mudbugshockey.com.
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