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Mudbugs Upend RiverKings, 3-1

January 5, 2008 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs News Release


BOSSIER CITY, LA - The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs moved into sole possession of first place in the Northeast Division with a 3-1 victory over the Mississippi RiverKings Saturday night at CenturyTel Center . The Mudbugs have now won ten consecutive games overall and 14 straight at home, with both streaks ranking second in franchise history.

Bossier-Shreveport scored a pair of powerplay goals just 46 seconds apart late in the second period and John DeCaro stopped 41 shots as the Mudbugs beat the RiverKings for the third time this year. The win, paired with Youngstown's shootout loss to Tulsa on Saturday night, put the Mudbugs in sole possession of first place in the Northeast Division. Bossier-Shreveport also stands just two points behind Rocky Mountain for first place in the Northern Conference.

Both teams played well defensively in the first period, limiting scoring chances either way for much of the first 20 minutes. Late in the period though, the ‘Bugs were able to break through on their first powerplay of the game. A loose puck made its way from Tyrel Lucas in the slot to Joe Ori, who put it on net. Sebastien Centomo made the initial stop only to see Daniel Pegoraro hustling into the play to bury the rebound for his seventh goal of the season.

Both teams generated more offense in the second period, thanks in part to a number of powerplay opportunities each way. Again late in the period, with the game still 1-0 Mudbugs, Bossier-Shreveport found themselves on a 5-on-3 powerplay opportunity. Elias Godoy's slapshot from the top of the circle beat Centomo to the far side to make it 2-0 ‘Bugs at the 17:08 mark. Then just 46 seconds later, Kevin Cooper beat a Mississippi defenseman wide and got a shot off from in tight. Centomo again made the save but fell victim to another rebound, with Chris Brassard putting home his 12th of the year to make it 3-0 Bossier-Shreveport. Before the period was out, the gloves would drop more than once between the teams. New Mudbugs tough guy Neil Poulsen fought Sheldon Wenzel and Quade Lightbody squared off with Steve Makway to send the second period out with a bang.

Mississippi came on strong in the third period, registering 18 total shots on goal in the frame, compared with just three for the Mudbugs. Chad Woollard scored on a scramble in front of DeCaro midway through the period to get the ‘Kings on the board, but they would get no closer in a 3-1 victory for Bossier-Shreveport.

Special teams were the difference in the game, with the ‘Bugs converting on 3 of their 10 powerplay chances and the RiverKings finishing 0 for 11 with the man advantage. Mississippi finished with the most shots on goal for a Mudbugs opponent this season, outshooting the ‘Bugs 42-30 in the contest.

Saturday night's results make the upcoming Tuesday night tilt between Bossier-Shreveport and Youngstown even more intriguing. With the ‘Bugs leading the ‘Hounds by just a single point heading into Tuesday night's game at the CenturyTel Center, first place will once again be on the line when the puck drops at 7:05. The game will be your last chance to catch the ‘Bugs at home for quite a while, with a seven-game road trip to follow that will keep the Mudbugs away from CenturyTel Center until January 26th. Tickets for Tuesday's game with Youngstown are available through Ticketmaster or by calling the Mudbugs office at 318-752-BUGS.

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