5/6 BUGS vs. LAREDO (GAME 5, President's Cup Finals)
IT'S ALL OVER
The Bucks held out for the remaning two minutes of play and will be crowned President's Cup Champions tonight. It's a disappointing way for the Mudbugs to lose after such a promising start to this game. It'll be remembered for the three goal lead that was given away, and perhaps for the mistake that led to the game winner.
The Mudbugs came into this game with all the right intentions and effort but in the end Laredo was just too much.
TURNOVER - BUCKS LEAD
There aren't too many worse times in a game, or a series, to make a critical mistake in the defensive end. But with 2:05 left in this game, a mistake by the Mudbugs defense has handed this game on a silver plate to the Bucks, Igor Agarunov scoring his second of the game to give Laredo a 4-3 lead. It's along way to come from 3-0 down but four straight goals may have done the Mudbugs in.
1:06 left and Ken Carroll has been pulled.
2:51 LEFT - ANYONE'S GAME
Quade Lightbody had a great chance to seal this thing for the Mudbugs, but wristed his close range shot straight into the mid-section of Grumet-Morris.
2:51 left in the game, and although the Mudbugs look most likely of the two teams to win it in regulation, the Bucks are eager to pounce on the counter. It could go either way.
BUGS ON THE POWERPLAY, 7:19 LEFT
Here's a golden chance for the Mudbugs. They have the man advantage at a critical point in this game. Can they make it count?
DEADLOCK ENSUES
Since Laredo tied the game early in this closing period both teams have been playing defensive hockey, trying to make sure they don't lose the game instead of going out and winning it. The Mubdugs are starting to be more aggressive up front because they know they HAVE to win this game. Laredo would be happy getting lucky on the break and stealing it tonight. If not, they two more games at home to wrap it up. All the pressure is on the Bugs to go for it.
LAREDO TIES IT UP
Todd Griffith has tied the game at 3-3 just 47 seconds into the third period after a feed from Ladislav Kouba sent him clear of the Mudbugs defense. His shot squeeked over the shoulder of Ken Carroll and into the back of the net. A shocking collapse from the Mudbugs, who were in control at 3-0 after 20 minutes.
BUCKS SET UP TENSE THIRD PERIOD
Two goals early in the second period have put Laredo back in this contest. The Mudbugs have done well to get back on their feet after that early setback and have had chances of their own, but right now it's end-to-end stuff as both teams believe they can win this game.
The Bugs have the edge at 3-2 heading into the final 20 minutes of play on home ice this season. They'll need to give it their all to hold onto this lead and take the series back to Laredo on Tuesday. It's not over yet.
MANITOWICH MISSES BREAKWAY CHANCE
With 4:11 to play in the second period Ryan Manitowich misses the target after being set up Chad Spurr on a 2-on-1 break.
LAREDO EASING BACK INTO THIS ONE
Two quick goals in this second period and Laredo has made a game of it. The Mudbugs were firmly in control in the first period, but are a little shaken by the way the Bucks have responded. It's 3-2 midway through the second period, but it's now an evenly-contested game.
After 20 minutes this thing was headed back to Laredo for sure. Now the Mudbugs have some work still to do here.
NOW IT'S INTERESTING
Jeff Bes has made it 3-2 just a few seconds into the Shephard penalty. It's 3-2. This game is NOT over with just yet.
BUCKS GO ON THE POWERPLAY
Scott Shepherd has picked up a double minor for high sticking. Here's a chance for Laredo to get into the game if they can take advantage.
The Mudbugs penalty killing unit is at 85.11% this playoff season. The Lardeo powerplay is the best this postseason at 24.69%.
AGARUNOV SPOILS THE PARTY
A little under two minutes played in the first period and Igor Agarunov picks up a rebound to bring the Bucks back into this game.
Ken Carroll made the inital save, but could only push the puck out to the left of his crease where Agarunov pounced on the loose puck and put it into the unguarded net. 3-1 Bugs.
BUCKS TOP LINE FEELING THE PAIN
Laredo's top offensive line of Jeff Bes, Chris Grenville and Brent Cullaton were all a minus-three in the first period.
FLOODGATES OPEN FOR BUGS OFFENSE
In the first three games of this series, the Mudbugs couldn't so much as buy a goal, losing all three games and scoring only four goals in the process.
In the last 40 minutes of play (last period of Friday's game and first of this one) the Mudbugs have torched Laredo for 7 goals.
You have to wonder how much the Bucks are missing Dube, or whether it's just a case of the Mudbugs getting their game back in gear. Either way, if things keep going this way, this series will head back to Laredo on Tuesday for at least one more game. Game 7, if necessary, would be Thursday.
There's still a ways to go though. First the Bugs have 39 seconds of a Laredo powerplay to see off. Then they have to see how the Bucks respond to a 3-0 first period, deal with whatever they throw at them, and get this game safely in the bag without any casualties.
END OF FIRST PERIOD, BUGS UP 3-0
It's the end of the first period and Bugs and ruling the ice at the moment. Two goals from Brassard, one shorthanded, and another from Dale Lupul and the Bugs are firmly in control of this game through 20 minutes.
It'll be interesting to see how the Bucks respond to this. Will they cut their losses and send a message as the teams head back to Laredo for games 6 and 7? Or will they come out hard and try to rescue this one?
Carroll hasn't been tested yet. Grumet-Morris looks like he's more than a little shaken.
BRASSARD AGAIN....IT'S A RIOT!
He hadn't scored in 11 Finals games. He now has two! Chris Brassard breaks away on a shorthanded effort, set up by Dale Lupul along the right side boards, and slides the puck under Grumet-Morris for a 3-0 Bugs lead.
Quade Lightbody is still in the box for the Bugs. Priority mission for the next 30 seconds or so - keep the sheet clean and go into the break with a three-goal lead.
MAKE THAT TWO
A similar play to the one where Brassard put the Bugs in the lead and Dale Lupul has put the Bugs two goals for the good with 3:23 left in the period and on their 10th shot of the game.
Shane Palahicky did the bump-n-grind work in the right corner, feeding Lupul who was advancing into the slot and let a one-timer rip.
Officially the Bucks only have 1 shot on goal for the period, although they have had a couple of close calls and one soft shot on target.
BRASSARD PUTS BUGS AHEAD!
Chris Brassard hadn't scored in 11 Finals games prior to tonight. With 5:32 left in the first period he's broken that duck with a close range slap-shot from Chad Spurr's feed to put the Bugs 1-0 up.
The Bugs have had the better of the chances in this first period and it's finally paid off.
SECOND MAN ADVANTAGE GOES BEGGING
Another extra man situation for the Mudbugs, but this time it's Laredo who pose the biggest threat on the breakway. Steve Simoes was denied twice by Carroll, the first on a 2-on-1 breakaway, the second off a great feed from James Hiebert from the right corner.
Grumet steps up big again to deny Palahicky as the powerplay chance goes by.
GRUMET-MORRIS TESTED EARLY
Laredo goalie Dov Grumet-Morris is being tested early on a Mudbugs powerplay. Brett Smith forced a big save when Scott Shepherd found him all alone but Smith's one-timer to the top right corner was brilliantly caught by Grumet-Morris.
The Bugs have 3 shots, but no success, on the early man advantage.
GAME 5, SERIES, AND 2004 ON THE LINE
The start of the game is just minutes away. The Bugs know that game 5 and this championship series are both on the line. It's a must win.
But talk about "revenge" for their 2004 Game 7 loss is also on the line. Defeat in this series and there can't be any excuses this time around.
Bring it on!
DUBE OUT!
You have to wonder how much of an impact the injury to Serge Dube will have on the Bucks. He's likely to miss the rest of the season with a leg injury.
Dube led the team among defensemen in the regular season with 55 points (14 goals, 41 assists) and a team-leading plus-39. He's also the team-leading defenseman in the playoffs with 9 points (3 goals, 6 assists) in 15 games.
The Bugs have their own adjustments to make with Chris Shaw not playing tonight because of the injury he sustained last night, but the loss of Dube will either hurt, or inspire the Bucks who are hungry to seal the deal tonight.
THE 20-MINUTE SHOWING MUST BE 60 (OR MORE) TONIGHT
The Mudbugs' played a great hockey game, but may have played their best period of the entire postseason in Friday's third.
Forget the four goals, Bossier-Shreveport, a very desperate team, took it to a very physical Bucks team, they won the battles in the corners for the first time in the series. Jeff Bes didn't have an entire sheet of ice to work his magic.
Tonight's Game 5 is infinitely more difficult than Friday. The Bucks will have a sense of urgency while the Mudbugs have the task of carrying the momentum for a period of 24 hours. This is the second of the what the Mudbugs hope will be four must-win games.
A victory tonight truly puts the series in doubt again. Yes, Laredo would still be in the driver's seat, but they'd have some company up front.
I just have a feeling if this thing shifts back to Laredo, the hockey gods are going to have something spectacular in the works.
But none of that matters if the Bugs dont exhaust themselves with at least 60 minutes of the effort and execution it did in the third period last night.
Laredo will likely be without Serge Dube, who appeared to suffer a rather significant leg injury in the third period Friday. Dube is the Bucks' best defenseman, yes, but also one of the best, if not the best, in the entire Central Hockey League.
The Bucks will also counter Ken Carroll with rookie Dov Grumet-Morris. The kid has been outstanding in this series, but has offered up several stray rebounds. Thus far, Bossier-Shreveport has been unable to capitilize.
The Bucks held out for the remaning two minutes of play and will be crowned President's Cup Champions tonight. It's a disappointing way for the Mudbugs to lose after such a promising start to this game. It'll be remembered for the three goal lead that was given away, and perhaps for the mistake that led to the game winner.
The Mudbugs came into this game with all the right intentions and effort but in the end Laredo was just too much.
TURNOVER - BUCKS LEAD
There aren't too many worse times in a game, or a series, to make a critical mistake in the defensive end. But with 2:05 left in this game, a mistake by the Mudbugs defense has handed this game on a silver plate to the Bucks, Igor Agarunov scoring his second of the game to give Laredo a 4-3 lead. It's along way to come from 3-0 down but four straight goals may have done the Mudbugs in.
1:06 left and Ken Carroll has been pulled.
2:51 LEFT - ANYONE'S GAME
Quade Lightbody had a great chance to seal this thing for the Mudbugs, but wristed his close range shot straight into the mid-section of Grumet-Morris.
2:51 left in the game, and although the Mudbugs look most likely of the two teams to win it in regulation, the Bucks are eager to pounce on the counter. It could go either way.
BUGS ON THE POWERPLAY, 7:19 LEFT
Here's a golden chance for the Mudbugs. They have the man advantage at a critical point in this game. Can they make it count?
DEADLOCK ENSUES
Since Laredo tied the game early in this closing period both teams have been playing defensive hockey, trying to make sure they don't lose the game instead of going out and winning it. The Mubdugs are starting to be more aggressive up front because they know they HAVE to win this game. Laredo would be happy getting lucky on the break and stealing it tonight. If not, they two more games at home to wrap it up. All the pressure is on the Bugs to go for it.
LAREDO TIES IT UP
Todd Griffith has tied the game at 3-3 just 47 seconds into the third period after a feed from Ladislav Kouba sent him clear of the Mudbugs defense. His shot squeeked over the shoulder of Ken Carroll and into the back of the net. A shocking collapse from the Mudbugs, who were in control at 3-0 after 20 minutes.
BUCKS SET UP TENSE THIRD PERIOD
Two goals early in the second period have put Laredo back in this contest. The Mudbugs have done well to get back on their feet after that early setback and have had chances of their own, but right now it's end-to-end stuff as both teams believe they can win this game.
The Bugs have the edge at 3-2 heading into the final 20 minutes of play on home ice this season. They'll need to give it their all to hold onto this lead and take the series back to Laredo on Tuesday. It's not over yet.
MANITOWICH MISSES BREAKWAY CHANCE
With 4:11 to play in the second period Ryan Manitowich misses the target after being set up Chad Spurr on a 2-on-1 break.
LAREDO EASING BACK INTO THIS ONE
Two quick goals in this second period and Laredo has made a game of it. The Mudbugs were firmly in control in the first period, but are a little shaken by the way the Bucks have responded. It's 3-2 midway through the second period, but it's now an evenly-contested game.
After 20 minutes this thing was headed back to Laredo for sure. Now the Mudbugs have some work still to do here.
NOW IT'S INTERESTING
Jeff Bes has made it 3-2 just a few seconds into the Shephard penalty. It's 3-2. This game is NOT over with just yet.
BUCKS GO ON THE POWERPLAY
Scott Shepherd has picked up a double minor for high sticking. Here's a chance for Laredo to get into the game if they can take advantage.
The Mudbugs penalty killing unit is at 85.11% this playoff season. The Lardeo powerplay is the best this postseason at 24.69%.
AGARUNOV SPOILS THE PARTY
A little under two minutes played in the first period and Igor Agarunov picks up a rebound to bring the Bucks back into this game.
Ken Carroll made the inital save, but could only push the puck out to the left of his crease where Agarunov pounced on the loose puck and put it into the unguarded net. 3-1 Bugs.
BUCKS TOP LINE FEELING THE PAIN
Laredo's top offensive line of Jeff Bes, Chris Grenville and Brent Cullaton were all a minus-three in the first period.
FLOODGATES OPEN FOR BUGS OFFENSE
In the first three games of this series, the Mudbugs couldn't so much as buy a goal, losing all three games and scoring only four goals in the process.
In the last 40 minutes of play (last period of Friday's game and first of this one) the Mudbugs have torched Laredo for 7 goals.
You have to wonder how much the Bucks are missing Dube, or whether it's just a case of the Mudbugs getting their game back in gear. Either way, if things keep going this way, this series will head back to Laredo on Tuesday for at least one more game. Game 7, if necessary, would be Thursday.
There's still a ways to go though. First the Bugs have 39 seconds of a Laredo powerplay to see off. Then they have to see how the Bucks respond to a 3-0 first period, deal with whatever they throw at them, and get this game safely in the bag without any casualties.
END OF FIRST PERIOD, BUGS UP 3-0
It's the end of the first period and Bugs and ruling the ice at the moment. Two goals from Brassard, one shorthanded, and another from Dale Lupul and the Bugs are firmly in control of this game through 20 minutes.
It'll be interesting to see how the Bucks respond to this. Will they cut their losses and send a message as the teams head back to Laredo for games 6 and 7? Or will they come out hard and try to rescue this one?
Carroll hasn't been tested yet. Grumet-Morris looks like he's more than a little shaken.
BRASSARD AGAIN....IT'S A RIOT!
He hadn't scored in 11 Finals games. He now has two! Chris Brassard breaks away on a shorthanded effort, set up by Dale Lupul along the right side boards, and slides the puck under Grumet-Morris for a 3-0 Bugs lead.
Quade Lightbody is still in the box for the Bugs. Priority mission for the next 30 seconds or so - keep the sheet clean and go into the break with a three-goal lead.
MAKE THAT TWO
A similar play to the one where Brassard put the Bugs in the lead and Dale Lupul has put the Bugs two goals for the good with 3:23 left in the period and on their 10th shot of the game.
Shane Palahicky did the bump-n-grind work in the right corner, feeding Lupul who was advancing into the slot and let a one-timer rip.
Officially the Bucks only have 1 shot on goal for the period, although they have had a couple of close calls and one soft shot on target.
BRASSARD PUTS BUGS AHEAD!
Chris Brassard hadn't scored in 11 Finals games prior to tonight. With 5:32 left in the first period he's broken that duck with a close range slap-shot from Chad Spurr's feed to put the Bugs 1-0 up.
The Bugs have had the better of the chances in this first period and it's finally paid off.
SECOND MAN ADVANTAGE GOES BEGGING
Another extra man situation for the Mudbugs, but this time it's Laredo who pose the biggest threat on the breakway. Steve Simoes was denied twice by Carroll, the first on a 2-on-1 breakaway, the second off a great feed from James Hiebert from the right corner.
Grumet steps up big again to deny Palahicky as the powerplay chance goes by.
GRUMET-MORRIS TESTED EARLY
Laredo goalie Dov Grumet-Morris is being tested early on a Mudbugs powerplay. Brett Smith forced a big save when Scott Shepherd found him all alone but Smith's one-timer to the top right corner was brilliantly caught by Grumet-Morris.
The Bugs have 3 shots, but no success, on the early man advantage.
GAME 5, SERIES, AND 2004 ON THE LINE
The start of the game is just minutes away. The Bugs know that game 5 and this championship series are both on the line. It's a must win.
But talk about "revenge" for their 2004 Game 7 loss is also on the line. Defeat in this series and there can't be any excuses this time around.
Bring it on!
DUBE OUT!
You have to wonder how much of an impact the injury to Serge Dube will have on the Bucks. He's likely to miss the rest of the season with a leg injury.
Dube led the team among defensemen in the regular season with 55 points (14 goals, 41 assists) and a team-leading plus-39. He's also the team-leading defenseman in the playoffs with 9 points (3 goals, 6 assists) in 15 games.
The Bugs have their own adjustments to make with Chris Shaw not playing tonight because of the injury he sustained last night, but the loss of Dube will either hurt, or inspire the Bucks who are hungry to seal the deal tonight.
THE 20-MINUTE SHOWING MUST BE 60 (OR MORE) TONIGHT
The Mudbugs' played a great hockey game, but may have played their best period of the entire postseason in Friday's third.
Forget the four goals, Bossier-Shreveport, a very desperate team, took it to a very physical Bucks team, they won the battles in the corners for the first time in the series. Jeff Bes didn't have an entire sheet of ice to work his magic.
Tonight's Game 5 is infinitely more difficult than Friday. The Bucks will have a sense of urgency while the Mudbugs have the task of carrying the momentum for a period of 24 hours. This is the second of the what the Mudbugs hope will be four must-win games.
A victory tonight truly puts the series in doubt again. Yes, Laredo would still be in the driver's seat, but they'd have some company up front.
I just have a feeling if this thing shifts back to Laredo, the hockey gods are going to have something spectacular in the works.
But none of that matters if the Bugs dont exhaust themselves with at least 60 minutes of the effort and execution it did in the third period last night.
Laredo will likely be without Serge Dube, who appeared to suffer a rather significant leg injury in the third period Friday. Dube is the Bucks' best defenseman, yes, but also one of the best, if not the best, in the entire Central Hockey League.
The Bucks will also counter Ken Carroll with rookie Dov Grumet-Morris. The kid has been outstanding in this series, but has offered up several stray rebounds. Thus far, Bossier-Shreveport has been unable to capitilize.
posted by Roy Lang III at 12:23 PM
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