The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs havent had what you would call a banner year to this point, but appear to have found their groove lately and are making a strong push to be one of four Northern Conference clubs to receive a post-season invitation. With three consecutive victories this weekend, including Saturdays 3-0 shutout of the CHL-leading Austin Ice Bats, the Mudbugs have posted a record of 8-0-1 in their last nine outings to significantly close the gap on a playoff berth that appeared unlikely weeks ago.
Goaltender Ken Carroll is playing his best hockey of the season, going 6-0-1 his last eight contests with a goals against average of just 1.958 and a save percentage of .937. Offensively, Forbes MacPherson, Jason Campbell, Dan Wildfong, Trevor Buchanan and David Oliver are all averaging a point per game or better their last ten outings, and the Mudbugs now have realistic hopes of a playoff appearance, where historically their game improves even more.
Despite their recent success, Bossier-Shreveport still has some work to do to make the playoffs, and will need to catch and pass two clubs to secure a berth. The Indianapolis Ice appear comfortable atop the Northeast Division with a healthy 11-point lead over suddenly struggling Memphis, while Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Amarillo continue to wage their battle atop the Northwest Division. Bossier-Shreveport has 50 points, and is within 8 points of the other clubs aside from Indianapolis.
Next up for the streaking Mudbugs are three consecutive contests against Southwest Division teams. Thursday Bossier-Shreveport journeys to Lubbock before home outings Friday against El Paso and Saturday against New Mexico.