2/14 BUGS vs. YOUNGSTOWN (W, 7-5)
NO WORRIES, TAKE THE TWO AND HEAD TO LUBBOCK
I hate to say I told you so, but I have a feeling four goals wasn't going to be enough to win this thing. Turns out 5 wasn't either.
There are two ways to look at this thing.
The Mudbugs made some ridiculously horrible mistakes and let Youngstown -- a team that thrives on its opposition's turnovers -- back into a game they had no business being in.
OR you say say, 'Geez, two months ago, the Mudbugs DONT WIN THIS GAME.'
It wasn't pretty, but sometimes you just have to take the two points and move on. The good news is Fort Worth and Youngstown will not be opponents in the playoffs.
TIME: 11:27 p.m.
TROUBLE BREWING AT THE CTC
Youngstown scored two quick goals to begin the third period and the game is tied at 4. This would be a devastating loss, despite the recent 13-1-1 run. You can't give up a 2-goal third period to Youngstown. Not again.
TIME: 9:02 p.m.
YOUNGSTOWN TIES GAME; BUGS RALLY WITH TWO MORE
Scott Sheppard and Dan Wildfong scored power-play goals in the second period to give the Mudbugs a 4-2 lead entering the final 20 minutes. Maybe it's me, but for some reason I don't think 4 goals is enough to win this game.
TIME: 8:37 p.m.
SHAW VS. MALLETTE
Youngstown tough guy Kris Mallette might be the nicest guy in the Central Hockey League. Mallette had Mudbugs defenseman Chris Shaw beaten badly in a second-period fight. But once Mallette took the blow to send Shaw to the ice he held his arms back and let the linesmen in to help Shaw. He could have delivered multiple knockout blows he wanted.
Shaw got an extra two minutes (not sure what for, unless two mintues now go each fight's loser).
UPBEAT FIRST PERIOD GOES MUDBUGS WAY
The Mudbugs and SteelHounds played another fast-paced period Tuesday at the CenturyTel Center and Bossier-Shreveport owns a 2-1 lead. The teams have already played 4-3, 7-6 and 5-3 games this season. With 18 in 20 minutes, the Mudbugs are on pace to eclipse the 50-shot mark again.
TIME: 7:41 p.m.
I WILL STOP CALLING PASSES FROM MANNING BEAUTIFUL
Because every pass from this guy is ridiculous. Blair Manning, a Mudbugs veteran, delivered a pass from the wall to Brett Smith, who beat Youngstown goaltender David St. Germain 3:22 into the contest.
TIME: 7:15 p.m.
LOVE IS IN THE AIR
Bossier-Shreveport broadcaster Steve Mears could open up his own Hallmark store with all the Valentine's Day presents in his office. The affection the ladies have for Mears will be on display tonight at the CenturyTel Center. I'm sure there will be "Be Mine" and other various messages displayed througout the arena.
The SteelHounds and Mudbugs, on the other hand, don't love each other. Youngstown had made two straight trips to the CTC in which it embarrased the home team. Bossier-Shreveport, if nothing else, must show this time the effort will be there early and there will be no upset this time.
Ken Carroll is in net for the Mudbugs and it appears David St. Germain will be in Youngstown's goal.
CHL GETS SOME RUN ON OLYMPICS
The Central Hockey League took the spotlight during NBC's (shown on USA) broadcast of the U.S./Finland women's hockey game Tuesday.
Angela Ruggiero, who scored two goals in the third period (the game-winner on an end-to-end rush was a thing of beauty no matter the gender) to help the Americans scored 5 goals in the third period to rally past Finland, was mentioned as being the only woman (non-goaltender) to play professional hockey with the men.
Ruggiero played with her brother, Bill, as a member of the Tulsa Oilers last week. The CHL got some pub, which is never a bad thing.
By the way, she's not bad. The hockey is good -- except for the 5,000 penalties called (and no, the ref wasn't Mark Hulshof). Compared to most of her teammates, Ruggiero is exceptional.
GAMEDAY PREVIEW
VS. YOUNGSTOWN (18-26-2)
7:05 p.m., CenturyTel Center, 1130 AM, chltv.com
Outlook
Tonight could mean just as much for the next few weeks to Bossier-Shreveport (26-13-5) as Saturday's Laredo tilt. The SteelHounds have been the ultimate thorn in the Mudbugs' side. The 7-6 shootout loss was devastating, but Jan. 3's 5-3 defeat likely cost Chad Kemp his job -- temporarily at least. John Madden's "discussion" with the team afterwards was criticized by some fans, but the Mudbugs are 13-1-2 since. Coincidence? I think not ... Mudbugs forward Brett Smith has enjoyed playing against the expansion team. He leads all players with five goals and eight points in the three meetings this season. He scored an overtime game-winner against Youngstown on opening weekend at the CenturyTel Center. Jeff Christian leads Youngstown with four goals and seven points against the Mudbugs -- including the shootout winner Nov. 22 ... The difference in this series thus far has been Youngstown's nine power-play goals in 25 chances. The Mudbugs have four in 22 ... The Mudbugs travel to Youngstown for three straight to close out February before a Mar. 10 meeting at the CTC.
Season series (SteelHounds lead 2-0-1)
Date Score Site GWG
Oct. 22 Bugs 4-3 (OT) CTC Brett Smith
Nov. 22 Hounds 7-6 (SO) CTC Jeff Christian
Jan. 3 Hounds 5-3 CTC Scott Barnes
I hate to say I told you so, but I have a feeling four goals wasn't going to be enough to win this thing. Turns out 5 wasn't either.
There are two ways to look at this thing.
The Mudbugs made some ridiculously horrible mistakes and let Youngstown -- a team that thrives on its opposition's turnovers -- back into a game they had no business being in.
OR you say say, 'Geez, two months ago, the Mudbugs DONT WIN THIS GAME.'
It wasn't pretty, but sometimes you just have to take the two points and move on. The good news is Fort Worth and Youngstown will not be opponents in the playoffs.
TIME: 11:27 p.m.
TROUBLE BREWING AT THE CTC
Youngstown scored two quick goals to begin the third period and the game is tied at 4. This would be a devastating loss, despite the recent 13-1-1 run. You can't give up a 2-goal third period to Youngstown. Not again.
TIME: 9:02 p.m.
YOUNGSTOWN TIES GAME; BUGS RALLY WITH TWO MORE
Scott Sheppard and Dan Wildfong scored power-play goals in the second period to give the Mudbugs a 4-2 lead entering the final 20 minutes. Maybe it's me, but for some reason I don't think 4 goals is enough to win this game.
TIME: 8:37 p.m.
SHAW VS. MALLETTE
Youngstown tough guy Kris Mallette might be the nicest guy in the Central Hockey League. Mallette had Mudbugs defenseman Chris Shaw beaten badly in a second-period fight. But once Mallette took the blow to send Shaw to the ice he held his arms back and let the linesmen in to help Shaw. He could have delivered multiple knockout blows he wanted.
Shaw got an extra two minutes (not sure what for, unless two mintues now go each fight's loser).
UPBEAT FIRST PERIOD GOES MUDBUGS WAY
The Mudbugs and SteelHounds played another fast-paced period Tuesday at the CenturyTel Center and Bossier-Shreveport owns a 2-1 lead. The teams have already played 4-3, 7-6 and 5-3 games this season. With 18 in 20 minutes, the Mudbugs are on pace to eclipse the 50-shot mark again.
TIME: 7:41 p.m.
I WILL STOP CALLING PASSES FROM MANNING BEAUTIFUL
Because every pass from this guy is ridiculous. Blair Manning, a Mudbugs veteran, delivered a pass from the wall to Brett Smith, who beat Youngstown goaltender David St. Germain 3:22 into the contest.
TIME: 7:15 p.m.
LOVE IS IN THE AIR
Bossier-Shreveport broadcaster Steve Mears could open up his own Hallmark store with all the Valentine's Day presents in his office. The affection the ladies have for Mears will be on display tonight at the CenturyTel Center. I'm sure there will be "Be Mine" and other various messages displayed througout the arena.
The SteelHounds and Mudbugs, on the other hand, don't love each other. Youngstown had made two straight trips to the CTC in which it embarrased the home team. Bossier-Shreveport, if nothing else, must show this time the effort will be there early and there will be no upset this time.
Ken Carroll is in net for the Mudbugs and it appears David St. Germain will be in Youngstown's goal.
CHL GETS SOME RUN ON OLYMPICS
The Central Hockey League took the spotlight during NBC's (shown on USA) broadcast of the U.S./Finland women's hockey game Tuesday.
Angela Ruggiero, who scored two goals in the third period (the game-winner on an end-to-end rush was a thing of beauty no matter the gender) to help the Americans scored 5 goals in the third period to rally past Finland, was mentioned as being the only woman (non-goaltender) to play professional hockey with the men.
Ruggiero played with her brother, Bill, as a member of the Tulsa Oilers last week. The CHL got some pub, which is never a bad thing.
By the way, she's not bad. The hockey is good -- except for the 5,000 penalties called (and no, the ref wasn't Mark Hulshof). Compared to most of her teammates, Ruggiero is exceptional.
GAMEDAY PREVIEW
VS. YOUNGSTOWN (18-26-2)
7:05 p.m., CenturyTel Center, 1130 AM, chltv.com
Outlook
Tonight could mean just as much for the next few weeks to Bossier-Shreveport (26-13-5) as Saturday's Laredo tilt. The SteelHounds have been the ultimate thorn in the Mudbugs' side. The 7-6 shootout loss was devastating, but Jan. 3's 5-3 defeat likely cost Chad Kemp his job -- temporarily at least. John Madden's "discussion" with the team afterwards was criticized by some fans, but the Mudbugs are 13-1-2 since. Coincidence? I think not ... Mudbugs forward Brett Smith has enjoyed playing against the expansion team. He leads all players with five goals and eight points in the three meetings this season. He scored an overtime game-winner against Youngstown on opening weekend at the CenturyTel Center. Jeff Christian leads Youngstown with four goals and seven points against the Mudbugs -- including the shootout winner Nov. 22 ... The difference in this series thus far has been Youngstown's nine power-play goals in 25 chances. The Mudbugs have four in 22 ... The Mudbugs travel to Youngstown for three straight to close out February before a Mar. 10 meeting at the CTC.
Season series (SteelHounds lead 2-0-1)
Date Score Site GWG
Oct. 22 Bugs 4-3 (OT) CTC Brett Smith
Nov. 22 Hounds 7-6 (SO) CTC Jeff Christian
Jan. 3 Hounds 5-3 CTC Scott Barnes
posted by Roy Lang III at 3:39 PM
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