Mudbugs Lose Ground vs. Mississippi

Published on March 8, 2009 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs News Release


BOSSIER CITY, LA - The Mississippi RiverKings built a 5-0 lead through two periods on their way a 6-2 victory over the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs on Saturday night at the CenturyTel Center. The ‘Bugs scored two goals in the third period but couldn't get any closer as they fell to Mississippi for the second time this week. The RiverKings have now won 11 straight games to tie the longest winning streak in the CHL this year.

Chris Brassard and Neil Clark scored in the third period and Joe Blaznek had two assists in the contest. Ken Carroll was pulled mid-way through the second period after the RiverKings' fifth goal and Jon Horrell made 14 saves in relief. Combined with Oklahoma City's shootout win over New Mexico, the loss drops Bossier-Shreveport into third place in the Northeast Division.

Mississippi jumped out to a 2-0 lead after one period. David Simoes opened the scoring when he banged in a rebound try after a scrum in front of Ken Carroll's net to put the RiverKings on top 1-0 mid-way through the opening period. Then with less than three minutes left in the period, Louis Dumont created a Mudbugs turnover at the offensive blueline and brought the puck ahead before dishing to Stephen Margeson, who one-timed a high slapshot under the crossbar to give the ‘Kings a two-goal cushion after 20 minutes.

The RiverKings built on the lead in the second starting with a 5-on-3 powerplay goal just 37 seconds into the period. Derek Landmesser's pass to the front bounced off the skate of Martin Gascon at the goal mouth and into the net to make it a 3-0 game. Then just after another Mississippi two-man advantage had expired, Jeff Alcombrack's centering pass bounced off a Mudbug in front and caromed into the net for the fourth goal. Dallas Costanzo made it 5-0 when his wrist shot from the boards came through traffic in front and past Carroll at the 11:17 mark. Jon Horrell then came in to the game to relieve Carroll. The ‘Bugs had two powerplays to close out the period, but went into the locker room trailing 5-0.

Brassard's goal came on a rebound after Kevin Cooper drove the net to create a scoring chance to break up Kevin Beech's shutout at 11:23 of the third period. Then with under four minutes left, Clark tipped in a long wrist shot by Dale Lupul to make it 5-2. The ‘Bugs pulled Horrell for an extra attacker on a late powerplay chance and Louis Dumont scored into the empty net to provide the final score of 6-2.

Ken Carroll made 18 saves on 23 shots while playing the first 31:14 of the game before being relieved by Horrell, who stopped 14 of 14 shots in 27:07. Kevin Beech made 24 saves on 26 shots to get his 33rd win of the year.

The RiverKings outshot the Mudbugs 38-26 in the contest. Mississippi finished 1 for 9 on the powerplay, while Bossier-Shreveport was 0 for 9.

The Mudbugs will now head out on a three-game road trip starting Tuesday night in Texas. The ‘Bugs and Brahmas close out their 10-game regular season series that night at the NyTex Sports Centre with their final meeting of the year. The Mudbugs have won two straight over Texas since losing six consecutive games in the series to hold a 3-4-2 record against the Brahmas this year. Opening faceoff is set for 7:05 pm with pregame coverage beginning at 6:45 on 1130 AM KWKH. The game will also be viewable online through the CHL Network.

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Central Hockey League Stories from March 8, 2009


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