Mudbugs Take 2-0 Series Lead with 4-3 Win in Game 2
March 27, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs News Release
LOVELAND, CO - The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs took a 2-0 series lead over the Colorado Eagles with a gritty 4-3 victory in Game 2 of the Northern Conference Semifinals Saturday night at the Budweiser Events Center. The Mudbugs were outshot 47-23 in the game but scored four times at even strength to take both games in Colorado to start the series.
The line of Joe Blaznek, Brett Smith and Joe Ori carried the weight for Bossier-Shreveport in Game 2, each finishing with a goal, two assists and a +4 rating. John DeCaro made 18 saves before leaving the game in the first period and Ken Carroll stopped another 26 shots to earn the win.
The Eagles came out firing in the first period, outshooting the âBugs 21-9 and peppering John DeCaro with 18 shots in the first 14 minutes. DeCaro stood his ground, making all the saves before leaving the game with an injury.
Colorado took a 1-0 lead on the powerplay when Ed McGrane picked up a deflection in front and snuck a shot under the glove of a diving Ken Carroll at 14:33. The âBugs tied the score only 84 seconds later though as Joe Ori slid a pass through the slot to Dave Pszenyczny, who finished off his second goal of the playoffs to make it 1-1 after 20 minutes.
The Mudbugs took their first lead at 6:19 of the second period on a crisp passing play as Brett Smith and Joe Ori set up Joe Blaznek, who roofed a quick wrister over Penner's glove to give the visitors a 2-1 advantage. Colorado tied it again later in the period when a Ryan McLeod shot hit Carroll and then the post before trickling in when Brett Lutes crashed the front of the net at 12:53, knotting the game at two after two.
Brett Smith then scored his first of the playoffs only 1:46 into the third off a Blaznek assist to put the âBugs back on top 3-2. Shortly after that, Kevin Ulanski beat Carroll on a rebound chance in front to once again tie it at three.
The game-winning tally then came at 6:12 as Smith sprung Ori behind the defense with a long cross-ice pass, where Ori faked to his backhand and slid the puck past Andrew Penner's outstretched pad to put the Mudbugs on top to stay at 4-3. Carroll and the Mudbugs withstood an Eagles surge in the final minutes to finish off the win.
Penner finished with 19 saves as Colorado outshot Bossier-Shreveport in every period and converted on both its powerplay opportunities. The âBugs finished 0 for 2 on the powerplay.
The teams will now travel to Bossier City to play Game 3 of the series Tuesday night at the CenturyTel Center. Opening faceoff is set for 7:05 pm as the âBugs look to take a commanding 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
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.
• Discuss this story on the Central Hockey League message board...
Central Hockey League Stories from March 27, 2010
- Brahmas earn 3-2 overtime win - Fort Worth Brahmas
- Brahmas Win Overtime Marathon, 3-2 - Odessa Jackalopes
- 'Bugs Take Game 2 in Another 4-3 Win - Colorado Eagles
- Allen bounces back with 3-2 win over Laredo to tie series - Allen Americans
- Mudbugs Take 2-0 Series Lead with 4-3 Win in Game 2 - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Mavericks Downed by Rapid City in Game One, 5-1 - Kansas City Mavericks
- Bucks Fall 3-2, Series Tied 1-1 - Laredo Bucks
- Four-Goal Third Period Gives Rush First Playoff Win 5-1 - Rapid City Rush
- Rush Embark On First-Ever Playoff Run Tonight Against Mavericks - Rapid City Rush
- Bucks Look For 2-0 Series Lead Tonight - Laredo Bucks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
