Mudbugs Set New Franchise Record in Win

Published on November 13, 2007 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs News Release


BOSSIER CITY, LA - The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs set a new franchise record on Tuesday night with their third consecutive shutout win, 3-0 over the Mississippi RiverKings. John DeCaro was stellar was 32 saves as the Mudbugs pushed their winning streak to four games.

Until Tuesday night, Bossier-Shreveport had never won three straight games by shutout in the franchise's 11-season history. John DeCaro beat Tulsa 1-0 last Thursday night, Ken Carroll blanked Austin 3-0 on Saturday night, and DeCaro again shut the door Tuesday against Mississippi to establish a current shutout streak of 192:29.

In the first period, Bossier-Shreveport started out strong, only to find themselves shorthanded three straight times late in the period. The Mudbugs were able to kill off all three RiverKings power plays though, and keep the game scoreless into the second, despite being outshot 14-9 in the period.

The offensive explosion for the Mudbugs came in the second period, when the team would tally three times in three different ways. To start it off, Karlis Zirnis stole a puck in the neutral zone to spring the Mudbugs on a shorthanded 2-on-1. Mississippi 's Sebastien Centomo stopped the initial shot from Zirnis, but Brett Smith was there to put home the rebound for a shorthanded goal and a 1-0 Mudbugs lead. A short time later, Bossier-Shreveport would convert on the power play, on another highlight reel play by Daniel Pegoraro. Pegoraro took a pass from Chris Brassard and was left to skate in alone on Centomo by the RiverKings' defense. He faked toward the middle before reversing to his backhand and tucking the puck inside the near post for a 2-0 lead at 11:27. Before the period was out, the 'Bugs would do it again; this time at even strength. On a nice passing play, Kevin Labatte worked the puck forward to Justin Aikins, who sprinted into the zone before feeding a pass to Elias Godoy in the slot. Godoy roofed a backhander past Centomo for his first goal since opening night and a 3-0 Mudbugs lead after two.

Bossier-Shreveport did a great job of playing with a lead in the third period, playing strong defensively and getting good goaltending from DeCaro, who made numerous tough saves in the game. Mississippi ended up with a 32-26 shot advantage in the contest, but never could solve DeCaro as the Mudbugs went on to win by a final of 3-0.

The Mudbugs won the special teams battle with a 1-for-4 night on the power play and the shorthanded goal to go with a perfect 7-for-7 night on the penalty kill. The RiverKings still lead the season series 3-2 after five meetings. Bossier-Shreveport now stands at 4-5-1, while Mississippi falls to 7-3 on the year.

While Mississippi heads home to take on the Youngstown Steelhounds on Friday night, Bossier-Shreveport will be off until they face the RiverKings again on Saturday night at the DeSoto Civic Center . Saturday's 7:05 faceoff in Southaven, Mississippi will be the sixth meeting of the season between the 'Bugs and the 'Kings.

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Central Hockey League Stories from November 13, 2007


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