Mudbugs Burn Sundogs, Clinch Playoff Spot

Published on February 21, 2009 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs News Release


PRESCOTT VALLEY, AZ - A dominating four-goal second period led the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs to a 6-3 win over the Arizona Sundogs on Saturday night at the Tim's Toyota Center. The win clinched a spot in the postseason for the Mudbugs, assuring them one of the five Northern Conference positions in the 2009 CHL President's Cup playoffs.

Joe Blaznek had a goal and two assists in the game, putting him over the milestone of 600 points in his professional career. Dale Lupul had two goals and one assist and Chris Brassard also had a goal and an assist. Bossier-Shreveport has now won three straight games after sweeping the two-game weekend set with Arizona.

Both teams had chances in the first period and both goaltenders were forced to make a few big saves. Arizona would score the only goal of the period though on its second powerplay of the night. Dwayne Hay took a pass from Mark Kolanos and wristed it past Jon Horrell from the low slot at the five-minute mark to make it 1-0 Sundogs. Marco Emond made a big save on Neil Clark late in the period to keep Arizona on top, and despite an 11-8 shot advantage, the 'Bugs trailed 1-0 after one.

The Mudbugs took control of the game in the second period, scoring four times to build a three-goal advantage. Dale Lupul started it off with a high-wrist shot from the point that lit the lamp right off a faceoff to tie the game at one. Just 13 seconds later, Lupul ripped a shot on goal from the neutral zone that bounced off Emond's glove and right to Kevin Cooper. Cooper was all alone in front and roofed the puck over Emond's right shoulder to give the 'Bugs their first lead. Neil Clark then got into the act again, putting home the rebound of J.R. Bria's drive from the point to put Bossier-Shreveport up 3-1. Then with just 18 seconds remaining in the period, the Mudbugs extended the lead during a 4-on-3 powerplay when Lupul walked into the slot and beat Emond with a wrister that may have been deflected in front. The 'Bugs finished the second period with a 17-5 shot advantage and a 4-1 lead.

The Sundogs came on the third period though, spurred by Rob Lehtinen's goal less than two minutes in that cut the lead to two. A short time later, Blaznek brought the puck in on a 2-on-1 break and rifled a perfect shot into the top corner to make it a 5-2 game for the 'Bugs. Just over a minute later though, Lehtinen again cut the lead when he redirected a Kyle Hood shot inside the post to bring Arizona back within a pair at 5-3. The final goal came when Chris Brassard knocked the puck off the stick of Sundogs defenseman Matt Hanson, who had possession and was cutting in front of his own net. The puck squirted past Emond with just over three minutes remaining to quell the comeback effort and provide the final 6-3 margin of victory for the 'Bugs.

Jon Horrell earned his tenth win of the year with 19 saves in goal, while Emond stopped 28 shots in defeat. Bossier-Shreveport outshot Arizona 34-22 in total and finished 1 for 8 on the powerplay. The Sundogs converted two of their five powerplay chances.

The Mudbugs will now have three days off before taking on Oklahoma City in their fourth and final regular season meeting with the Blazers this season. The 'Bugs are 2-0-1 this year against the Oklahoma City heading into Wednesday night's contest at the Ford Center. Two big divisional points will be on the line when the opening puck drops at 7:10 pm, so tune in on News radio 710 AM KEEL to hear all the action with pregame coverage beginning at 6:50 pm. The game will also be shown live online on the CHL Network.

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Central Hockey League Stories from February 21, 2009


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