With a day off to recuperate following Thursday’s physical 1-0 Bossier-Shreveport win over Laredo, the clubs get back to action tonight at the CenturyTel Center in Game Four of the 2003-2004 Ray Miron President’s Cup Finals. The Mudbugs narrow win Thursday gave them a 2-1 series advantage, which could be stretched to 3-1 should they maintain their perfect (7-0) record on home ice during the post-season. Laredo, meanwhile, would love to get a victory and ensure that the series will shift back to Laredo for a Game Six on Tuesday. There is a huge difference obviously between a 3-1 series and a 2-2 series, so look for both teams to come out playing spirited and intense hockey.

Game Four Live BoxScore: Laredo @ Bossier-Shreveport
Mudbugs Lead President’s Cup Finals 2-1

Ken Carroll, who has started five straight games for the Mudbugs, included a 23 save shutout performance Thursday, is expected to get the call again this evening, while Laredo’s starter has not been announced, with Coach Terry Ruskowski choosing between CHL Rookie of the Year David Guerrera (6-2, 1.81 GAA) and Marco Emond (2-2, 1.54 GAA) , the tough luck loser of Game Three.

Game Three was a battle of defensive wills, with both clubs determined to minimize quality scoring chances by the opposition, and only Forbes MacPherson was able to cash in, banging home a loose puck during a goal mouth scramble for the only goal of the game. The defensive style appears to favor the Mudbugs, while Laredo would likely prefer a more wide open game to give their crew of talented snipers more room to maneuver. To date in the series, the Bucks big guns haven’t had a major impact, with the forward trio of Chris Grenville, Jeff Bess and Brent Cullaton accounting four just four assists through three games, while combining for 279 points during the regular season.

"I don't think playoff hockey gets any better than tonight," Mudbugs Coach Scott Muscutt told the Shreveport Times following Game Three. "This is what playoff hockey should be about - respecting the fact these teams can score goals, looking after their goaltenders and the goaltending performance on the chances that happened." Laredo Coach Terry Ruskowski largely agreed, telling the Lared Morning Times, “It was a good game to watch but a tough one to coach. They have a good defense and a goalie. I give them a lot of credit."