Hounds End 'Bugs Streak in a Shootout
 
YOUNGSTOWN, OH - The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs had their CHL record-tying 15 game win streak snapped by the Youngstown SteelHounds on Sunday afternoon, losing 3-2 in a shootout at the Chevrolet Centre.  Bossier-Shreveport still earned a point with the shootout loss and moved to within one point of the CHL’s best record with 54 points.

The Mudbugs came from behind to tie the game early in the third period after facing a 2-0 deficit after two periods.  Chris Richards scored the shootout game-winner as Youngstown won the shootout 2-1.  Bossier-Shreveport finished the nine-game season series with a record of 6-1-2 against the SteelHounds.

Both teams played a solid first period that saw few quality scoring chances.  Bossier-Shreveport was 0 for 3 on the powerplay in the first, while Youngstown missed on two chances.

The ‘Hounds came out firing as the second period began with Youngstown on the powerplay.  Steve Birnstill’s shot from the point found the net behind a screened John DeCaro to put Youngstown up 1-0 only 37 seconds into the middle period.  1:12 later, the ‘Hounds extended the lead with an even strength goal.  Kevin Jarman finished off a nice passing play to make it 2-0 SteelHounds at the end of two periods.

Bossier-Shreveport answered back as the third period began, getting back within one on a great individual effort from Daniel Pegoraro.  The Mudbugs’ leading scorer drove wide on a Youngstown defenseman to get to the net and stuff the puck past Franck just 2:33 into the final period.  Then the Mudbugs tied it a few minutes later, as Joe Ori fed a pass in the slot, where Tyrel Lucas one-timed it home to even the contest.  The teams played to a draw throughout the rest of the third period and through the five minutes of overtime.

In the shootout, the first two Mudbugs shooters were thwarted before Joel Irving beat DeCaro to put Youngstown on top.  Brett Smith answered right back with a great shot that beat Franck to the top shelf to tie the shootout for Bossier-Shreveport.  The ‘Hounds finished off the victory though when Richards converted his shootout attempt and Chris Brassard missed on his.  The Mudbugs are now 0-2 in shootouts this season.

Both teams went 1 for 5 on the powerplay, and the SteelHounds outshot the Mudbugs 32-30 for the game.  Frank made 28 stops and won for the 12th time this season, while John DeCaro’s season record fell to 13-4-3 on the season in defeat, despite his 29 saves.

After wrapping up a three-in-three set with Youngstown, the Mudbugs have two more games on a seven game road trip before they return to CenturyTel Center .  Tuesday morning in Mississippi , Bossier-Shreveport will try to start a new win streak, taking on the RiverKings in their kid’s day game.  Opening faceoff for this one will be bright and early at 10:00 am, with pre-game coverage starting at 9:40 on 1130 AM KWKH.  Following that contest, the Mudbugs will head to Oklahoma City to battle the Blazers before returning home on Saturday and Sunday to take on Laredo and Rio Grande Valley .