by Roy Lang III
The Shreveport Times

The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs' struggles to maintain a healthy lineup haven't been lost on the Central Hockey League. Tuesday, during the team's victory at Rio Grande Valley, a linesman approached Mudbugs head coach Scott Muscutt with a simple question.

"Are you going to know how to coach with all these guys on the bench?" he said.

Muscutt's answer is simple: Just let them play.

Forward Justin Aikins, Bossier-Shreveport's leading scorer when he was sidelined with an injury Jan. 8, scored the opening goal against the Killer Bees to help the Mudbugs (28-21-2) to their 15th road victory of the season.

Veteran Travis Clayton also returned Tuesday after his two-week absence following the death of his mother. Fellow forward Jeff Kyrzakos and defenseman David Pszenyczny have also returned to the lineup this month.

The current leading scorer, David Rutherford, remains the only missing weapon, and he could return as early as Saturday. Defenseman Mitch Love is out for the season while it appears injured forward Tyrel Lucas will not partake in the Mudbugs' 2010-11 campaign after all.

But with 15 games left in the regular season, Muscutt is focused on the positives that suddenly include a lack of room on the bench.

"We still have three or four guys who are playing through some significant injuries," Muscutt said. "For the past couple of weeks, despite their injuries, they've been forced to play a certain style. Now with the extra bodies, it gives them a chance to do their job and get some rest."

Tonight, the Mudbugs begin their final stretch at home. Bossier-Shreveport will play eight of its next nine games at the CenturyTel Center.

Although the Mudbugs' hold just a 13-11 mark in Bossier City, Muscutt believes something special may have been reignited with Friday's emotional victory over CHL-best Allen.

"We have to find ways to play more inspired hockey at home," he said. "Our entire locker room was talking about the crowd Friday.

"Our crowd got it. They recognized we were short on troops and that we were playing the best the league has to offer. They said, 'We're going to start cheering early, start cheering loud.' Our crowd made a difference for us."

An overtime goal by Jeff Kyrzakos gave Bossier-Shreveport its first victory over Allen at home in the Americans' two seasons as part of the CHL.

"We have to give them more games so they can give us more support like (Friday)," Muscutt said. "If we do that, we'll capture the essence of home-ice advantage."