Mudbugs Even Series With Game 2 Win
Published on April 11, 2010 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs News Release
RAPID CITY, SD - The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs built a 4-1 lead on their way to an eventual 4-3 victory over the Rapid City Rush in Game 2 of the Northern Conference Finals Sunday at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. With the victory, the Mudbugs even the best-of-seven series at one game apiece with the next three games to be played at the CenturyTel Center.
Performing under the playoff microscope, goaltender Parker Van Buskirk made 26 saves in to earn the victory in his Mudbugs debut. The offense was paced by Joe Blaznek's three assists, while Jamie Milam scored the game-winning goal and assisted on another. Bossier-Shreveport also scored two more powerplay goals in the victory.
The 'Bugs skated to a 6-0 shot edge in the early going before Rapid City got nearly two full minutes of 5-on-3 powerplay time. Scott Wray opened the scoring during the two-man advantage to put the Rush on top 1-0 at 8:03. Bossier-Shreveport then seized the momentum and the lead late in the period with two powerplay goals in a 31-second span. Justin Aikins started it off for the Mudbugs, shooting home the rebound of a Joe Blaznek shot in front to tie the game at one at 16:46. Simon Mangos then beat Danny Battochio with a long wrist shot through traffic to give the Mudbugs a 2-1 edge after 20 minutes.
The 'Bugs added to the lead with a pair of even-strength goals in the second period. Blaznek sent a pass to the side of the net for David Rutherford, who backhanded the puck off Battochio's arm and into the net at 9:24 to make it 3-1. The lead became 4-1 for Bossier-Shreveport when Jamie Milam powered a slapshot into the net during a 3-2 break at 15:03. That goal chased Battochio from the net as he was replaced by Miguel Beaudry.
The Rush came on strong in the third, starting with an unassisted goal by Les Reaney off a faceoff at 5:50. That turned the momentum in Rapid City's favor, and Blaine Jarvis got the home team back within one with just under three minutes left in regulation. The 'Bugs held on in the final minutes however to finish the 4-3 victory and tie the series.
Van Buskirk is now 1-0 in his Mudbugs career, earning the win as the Mudbugs were outshot 29-25 in the contest. Danny Battochio suffered his first playoff loss for the Rush after making 11 saves, while Miguel Beaudry stopped 10 shots in relief. Bossier-Shreveport scored twice on six powerplay opportunities and Rapid City finished 1 for 5.
The Mudbugs will now look to take the lead in the best-of-seven series as it shifts to Bossier-Shreveport for the next three games. Game 3 is set for Wednesday night at 7:05 pm at the CenturyTel Center.
Special group ticket packages and Mudbugs single game playoff tickets are on sale now. For more information, call the team office at 752-BUGS or visit www.mudbugshockey.com. Individual tickets to all Mudbugs home games are available at the CenturyTel Center main box office, through Ticketmaster at (318) 741-9700 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.
Season and group tickets are on sale by calling 318-752-BUGS (2847) or by visiting our website at www.mudbugshockey.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from April 11, 2010
- Comeback Falls Short As Mudbugs Take Game Two, 4-3 - Rapid City Rush
- Mudbugs Even Series With Game 2 Win - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Reaney the Hero Again as Rush Take Game One 5-4 in Overtime - Rapid City Rush
- Rush Take Game 1 in Overtime - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Americans fall 3-2 in OT to Odessa, series tied 1-1 - Allen Americans
- Jacks Tie Series on Pierce's Overtime Winner - Odessa Jackalopes
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