The Central Hockey Leagues 2003-2004 Ray Miron Presidents Cup Playoffs resume tonight, with the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs visiting the Wichita Thunder in Game Three of the Northern Conference Finals. With a pair of narrow (5-3 and 2-1 in triple overtime) wins last weekend at the CenturyTel Center, the Mudugs hold a 2-0 series advantage, and while the Thunder arent facing elimination, a loss this evening would give Bossier-Shreveport a 3-0 stranglehold and four chances, if necessary, to close out the series. Despite losing both games in Bossier-Shreveport, Wichita played two excellent games and could have easily won one or both of the opening two contests. In particular, an outstanding goaltending display by Jeff Blair in Saturdays triple overtime contest prevented the series from being even. Only once in combined CHL/WPHL history has a team ever came back from a 2-0 deficit in a seven game series to win, and no team has ever pulled out a series win trailing 3-0.
Live Boxscore: Bossier-Shreveport @ Wichita
Live Game Three Audio: Wichita Broadcast
Live Game Three Audio: Bossier-Shreveport Broadcast
Today's Wichita Eagle Coverage
Today's Shreveport Times Coverage
The Thunder will almost certainly go with Nathan Grobins in goal this evening, who was the tough luck loser in Game Two despite putting on a outstanding 46 save display in five plus periods of play. The Mudbugs could go with either Ken Carroll or Jeff Blair, both who have enjoyed fine playoff runs to date. The Thunder will be without the services of captain Mark Kolesar for the remainder of the post-season, out with a leg injury. Kolesar had a goal and two assists in six playoff games to date, and was Wichitas fourth leading scorer with 17 goals and 42 assists in the regular season.
Thursday, the Laredo Bucks visit the Amarillo Gorillas in Game Three of the Southern Conference Finals, currently tied at a game each after splitting two contests at the Laredo Entertainment Center last weekend.