Tuesday, October 30, 2007

10/30 (L) YOUNGSTOWN 5, BUGS 4

READ ABOUT IT HERE
http://shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071031/SPORTS0303/710310346/1033/SPORTS0303

DISASTER CENTRAL
I'm tired of writing "it happened again."
But it did.
Make sure to check out The Times tomorrow for fallout from Tuesday's 5-4 loss to the Youngstown SteelHounds. Another third-period lead, another loss in regulation at CenturyTel Center.

BUGS IN TROUBLE

2,117???

Tuesday's crowd is the worst I've seen while covering the team. Tuesday's are tough, but it's not the first Tuesday we've seen action at CenturyTel Center.

STEELHOUNDS TIE IT
A Dale Lupul clearing attempt hit Pegoraro in the back of the leg and the SteelHounds kept control during a power play. Nathan Schwartzbauer was able to find Peter Pohl deep in the Mudbugs’ zone to DeCaro’s left. Pohl sent cross-crease pass to Jarman, who scored his second goal of the night.
The Mudbugs’ lead disappeared with 10:03 left in regulation.

PEGORARO FIRES BLANK ON BREAKAWAY
Daniel Pegoraro picked Nathan Schwartzbauer's poket clean early in the third period and skated alone toward Andy Franck. However, the Mudbugs forward wasnt able to muster a shot and the Mudbugs still lead by a goal. This is the type of thing that has cost the Mudbugs late in games.

WELL, ANOTHER GAME, ANOTHER TEST
The Mudbugs lead a game by one goal going into the third period for the fourth straight game. They have yet to win one. As usual, they are dominating the play through 40 minutes.

TURNOVER=YOUNGSTOWN GOAL
A turnover by the Mudbugs led to a goal by Kevin Jarman. The relentless SteelHounds moved within a goal one more time.

ANOTHER PP GOAL; 4-2 BUGS
Patience by Lupul and a nice deflection from Joe Ori lead to another power-play goal midway through the second period. Lupul slowly skated in from the right circle and lifted the puck toward the net before Ori got a piece of it and sent it over Franck’s stick and into the top of the net.

BENCH NOTE:
Mudbugs defenseman Jason Basile was behind the bench Tuesday, serving as Scott Muscutt’s assistant coach in lieu of Trevor Buchanan. No info on why Buchanan missed tonight's game. Or if he's observing from a different place.

LUCAS ON THE PP AGAIN; 3-2 BUGS
Rebound goal by Lucas -- his second of the game -- during 5-on-4 action to give the Mudbugs a 3-2 lead.

LSU LOSES!!
One parent thought he was was brilliant dressing his son up as an LSU Tiger, complete with jersey, pants, helment and eye-black for the Mudbugs' Halloween costume contest in the first-period intermission.
The kid made it to the finals, but lost to another in what looked like a bear costume. Thank god ... an LSU jersey is NOT a Halloween Costume! Go lil bear!

GAME TIED AT 2
The SteelHounds tied the game at 2 with a well-executed 5-on-3 tally late in the first period. The goal was as pretty as it gets with a two-man advantage as Youngstown captain Chris Richards sent pass through the crease to Eric Przepiorka. The forward sent the puck into the empty net with 3:50 left.
Youngstown failed to score on the time remaining in the power play.

STEELHOUNDS GO ON 5-ON-3

BUGS SCORE ON THE PP!
The Mudbugs took a 2-1 lead minutes later when Tyrel Lucas scored the team’s second power-play goal of the season. The tally actually came with the Mudbugs up 6 on 4 as Youngstown’s Jeff Alcombrack had been called for a delayed penalty.

TEAMS TRADE SOFT GOALS EARLY
The Mudbugs took a lead 1:29 into the game when a Dale Lupul wrister beat Andy Franck. But a Brett Smith turnover led to a Youngstown goal just 31 seconds later. Chris Shaffer's wrister beat DeCaro to tie the game a 1.

DECARO IT IS
Well, let the guessing and second-guessing begin.

WHO STARTS IN NET?
If Ken Carroll does not get the start tonight against Youngstown I would officially say there is an issue. John DeCaro has started three of the first four games. I understand Carroll had issues his first time out, but if indeed you are going to use some sort of goalie rotation, Kenny has to start at some point.
Carroll is says he's as healthy as he's ever been, so that's not it. We're just 10 minutes away from the pregame warmups, so we'll see who skates out first as the Mudbugs look for their first win of the 2007-08 season.

Saturday, October 27, 2007

10/27 (L) TEXAS 4, BUGS 3 (OT)

IT HAPPENED, READ ABOUT IT HERE
http://shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071028/SPORTS0303/710280343/1033/SPORTS0303

GOING TO OVERTIME

OH NO. IS IT HAPPENING AGAIN?
Anders Strome scores with just more than 4 minutes left to tie the game at 3.

GOAL LIGHT ON, NO GOAL
Dale Lupul rang a slap shot off the post during a power play in the third period, but the goal judge put the light on. Everyone in Texas still working out the kinks.

BUGS TAKE LEAD LATE IN SECOND
Darryl Lloyd scored with 3:05 left in the second period to give the Mudbugs a 3-2 lead. David Cacciola vehemently argued with referee Steve Cruickshank that the puck did not cross the goal line. Couldn't tell from my point of view as there was chaos in front of the Brahmas' net and Cacciola was sprawling like a mad man.

GOALS FAST AND FURIOUS NOW; BRAHMAS TIE IT UP
Scott Sheppard scores to tie the game at 2. It's the "former Mudbugs show" tonight at NYTEX Sports Centre.

PEGORARO PUTS BUGS ON TOP
Daniel Pegoraro scored on a freakish back-handed whack and the Mudbugs own a 2-1 lead midway through the second period.

BUGS TIE IT UP
Not long after Cacciola single-handedly snuff the Mudbugs’ back-to-back power play chances, the Mudbugs tied the game on Tyrel Lucas’ first professional goal. Daniel Pegoraro streaked down the right wing and sent a backhanded pass across the middle of the ice. Lucas took the pass and his powerful wrist shot barely snuck the puck past Cacciola glove side.

BRAHMAS KILL OFF 4-MINUTES OF PENALTIES
Still 1-0 with 15:55 left.

TRIPLE-MINOR??? HAHA
I've never seen a triple-minor, but I did tonight. Big Snake was assessed a triple-minor for roughing and a 2-minute minor for unsportsmanlike conduct. Not so much a team-player move. I'm pretty sure Dan Wildfong, the king of minor penalties, ever got a triple-minor.

BUGS START SECOND ON 4-MIN POWER PLAY
Big Snake's antics cost his team.

NO SURPRISE HERE: LET'S GET CHIPPY
Robin Big Snake has made his presence felt tonight. With a name like that it's hard not to. The Brahmas forward dropped the gloves with Mudbugs captain Chris Brassard after the first-period horn. The final seconds of the period took about 10 minutes as there were clock issues and then a nice scrap as the teams attempted to leave the ice.
Brassard and Quade Lightbody both told Mr. Big Snake they wanted a piece. We'll see if it develops. Bottom line: The Mudbugs trail 1-0. Maybe this is a good thing. They haven't been able to hold a lead, so let's try to come from behind.

BRAHMAS TAKE LEAD WITH PP GOAL
A beautiful centering pass from former Mudbug Blair Manning, who was stationed behind the net to John DeCaro’s left, led to a one-timer and a goal from Anders Strome with 1:54 left in the first period. Another former Bossier-Shreveport player, Scott Sheppard, got the secondary assist.

BUGS' PP GOES 0-2
I'm not qualified to coach or even question anyone regarding pro hockey. But during the Mudbugs' second power play tonight, all 150 pounds of Brett Smith was parked in front of the net.
Does this seem weird? The defenseman guarding Texas' crease looked a foot taller and about 80 pounds heavier.

ACTION FAST EARLY
Both teams seem to have their legs in the early moment. Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs' Karlis Zirnis had the best chance to score thus far, but was stopped by David Cacciola in the slot.

ATT, WE HAVE A PROBLEM
Mudbugs broadcaster Travis Huntington is doing play-by-play tonight with his cell phone as the folks here at NYTEX Sports Centre did not have a phone line available for the radio broadcast. Oops.

BUGS FANS HONORED AT PREGAME CEREMONY
Brahmas general manager Mike Barack thanked the large group of Mudbugs fans in attendance during a pregame ceremony kicking off the rebirth of the Brahmas franchise.

WILDFONG BECOMING THE MAYOR OVER HERE ALREADY?
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram had a full page spread on the Texas Brahmas today. The newspaper also sent TWO photographers to tonight's game. I can tell you, I've never seen that type of coverage for the Brahmas in this area. Kudos to Wildfong for pounding the pavement and the Star-Telegram for seeing this guy is something special.

JOHN DECARO GETS START IN NET FOR BUGS
He will face former Mudbugs goalie David Cacciola.

GREETINGS FROM NORTH RICHLAND HILLS!
The world isn't over and the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs, despite three straight losses, have arrived in Texas to play the Brahmas tonight. This building is small, about 2,200 capacity, but it's going to be loud tonight.

Friday, October 26, 2007

10/26 (L) MISSISSIPPI 2, BUGS 1

ITS OVER 2-1 RIVERKINGS
Another third-period nightmare. Read about it here:
http://shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071027/SPORTS0303/710270348/1033/SPORTS0303

MISSISSIPPI SCORES TWO QUICK GOALS
Moments after the RiverKings hit the post on a power play, Ryan Held tied the game with a wrist shot from the left circle.

Things got worse for the Mudbugs 58 seconds later when DeCaro was screened on a Steve Makway slap shot from the left point. The puck snuck past the Mudbugs netminder and another third-period disaster was realized.

RIVERKINGS ON POWER PLAY WITH 10 MINS. LEFT

MIDWAY THROUGH THIRD, BUGS UP 1-0
John DeCaro has made some nice stops in the third as the Mudbugs still have a one-goal lead.

BUGS MAKE MOST OF QUIET PERIOD
Bossier-Shreveport took one shot in nearly 17 minutes during the second period. The second was a difference-maker. Brett Smith's goal quieted a Mississippi team finding its groove and sparked the nearly-silent CenturyTel Center.
Bugs lead 1-0 after 2 periods.

BRETT SMITH SCORES SHORTY TO GIVE BUGS LEAD
Brett Smith scored a short-handed goal with 3:03 left to give the Mudbugs a 1-0 lead. Great lead pass from Justin Aikins and Smith beat Sebastien Centomo with a deke and a forehand shot.

ACTION PICKS UP ON THE ICE
No less than three players were sent to the ice in a span of 30 seconds. One RiverKing and two Mudbugs hit the deck and the crowd finally had something to cheer about. No penalties.

QUIET CTC
The CenturyTel Center is as quiet as I've ever heard it in a game the Mudbugs aren't losing. The energy level from the decent-sized crowd reflects the scoreboard: 0-0.

BUGS UNABLE TO CONVERT; TIED AFTER 1
Bossier-Shreveport dominated the shot board (15-6), but the game has yet to see its first goal. Mississippi has a limited number of shots, but several of those were quality as the Mudbugs broke down on the blue line.

John DeCaro and Sebastien Centomo are on top of their game.

The best scoring chance came in the final 20 seconds as the Mudbugs skated in on Centomo with a 2-on-1 short-handed breakaway. Justin Aikins led the way with and Brett Smith. Aikins kept the puck and waited until the last possible second to shoot, but Centomo didn't bite on a possible pass and the game stayed scoreless through 20 minutes.

RIVERKINGS START TO PICK IT UP
Mississippi was quiet early, but has started to pick up its play. The Mudbugs had their chances early, but the RiverKings are beginning to find their way into the Mudbugs' zone easily.

QUIET EARLY
The Mudbugs have controlled the play for the most part, outshooting Mississippi 7-0 in the first 6 minutes. But it's still scoreless.

CENTOMO VS. DECARO
Sebastien Centomo will get his first start in a Mississippi uniform this season. Centomo was acquired this week and sees action right away. I know Mudbugs fans are disappointed Mr. Sterling isn't between the pipes.

FEARLESS PREDICTIONS
Here is a look at some Mudbugs numbers that won't be that way soon:
Brett Smith: 2 games, 0 points, minus-3.
Quade Lightbody: minus-2
Ken Carroll: 5.50 goals-against, .762 save percentage
Justin Aikins: 1 point -- this kid has some hands. Watch the points pileup.
Karlis Zirnis: 0 points???

MUDBUGS ORANGE?
The Mudbugs skated out onto the ice for their warmups in Halloween Costumes, I mean jerseys. They are mainly orange, or perhaps "pumpkin" with black trim. For gaudy Halloween sweaters, they are actually sharp. Let's hope the only nightmares in store tonight come for the boys in white and green.

DECARO IN NET TONIGHT
John DeCaro, who was the hard-luck loser against Mississippi on opening night one week ago, will get the start for the Mudbugs against the RiverKings (1-1) tonight at CenturyTel Center.

TIDBITS
The Mudbugs (0-2) have never lost their first two games in regulation under head coach Scott Muscutt. Bossier-Shreveport will look to avoid going winless in its first three games of a season for the first time in franchise history ... Mississippi won the season open one week ago with a goal from Jason Lawmaster midway through the third period ... Mudbugs defenseman Jason Basile returned to practice Thursday, but head coach Scott Muscutt says the All-Star will likely miss the next three games.

Saturday, October 20, 2007

10/20 (L) TEXAS 5, BUGS 4

READ ABOUT IT HERE:
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071021/SPORTS0303/710210328/1033/SPORTS0303

TEXAS WINS 5-4
An inexplicable meltdown for the Mudbugs in the third period leads to an 0-2 record after the first weekend of play. Kudos to Dan Wildfong for rally his Brahmas, who were dominated for 40 minutes of play.
Thoughts
Chris Brassard did his part with a hat trick.
What happened to Ken Carroll?
The Scott Sheppard-Blair Manning-Anders Stromme line is going to put up a pile of points this season.
Texas was awful defensively early, but with David Cacciola in net, the Brahmas will be in many games they shouldn't be in this season.
Look for the game story at shreveporttimes.com and in Sunday's editions of The Times.

BRAHMAS LEAD 5-3

BRAHMAS TIE IT UP
Anders Strome scored on a deflection midway through the third period and we are tied at 3.

BRAHMAS POWERLESS
Texas again failed to record a shot on a power play. Four power plays, 0 shots and the Bugs still lead.

PP STALLS; BUGS STILL LEAD 3-2
The Mudbugs are currently outshooting Texas 30-8.

BUGS EMPTY ON PP; MAINTAIN 3-2 LEAD
The Mudbugs are having the best of special teams play (10 power-play shots to 0), but couldn't get the puck past David Cacciola during a power play late in the second period.

BRASSARD NETS HAT TRICK
Chris Brassard gets his third goal of the game just 9 minutes into the second period and the Mudbugs have another lead. Darryl Lloyd has assisted on all three of Brassard's goals.

BRAHMAS TIE IT UP
Grant Jacobsen scores early in the second period.

THREE PPs FOR THE BRAHMAS, 0 SHOTS ON GOAL
The Mudbugs stand strong again and thwart Texas' third power play.

BUGS LEAD 2-1 AFTER FIRST PERIOD; BRAHMAS ON PP
Texas will have 1:54 left on a 4-on-3 power play that will turn into a 5-on-4 when the second period resumes. The Brahmas are down simply for the fact they have been unable to control the puck around their own net.

TOO MENY MEN FOR BUGS; BRAHMAS DON'T CAPITILIZE
Texas is still without a shot on two power-play chances.

BRASSARD SCORES ON PP
The Mudbugs took a 2-1 lead with 6:34 remaining in the first when Chris Brassard gets his second goal of the game -- a rebound off a Darryl Lloyd centering feed.

BRAHMAS GET FIRST POWER PLAY; RECORD 0 SHOTS
Texas falls to 0 for 1 on the power play after failing to record a shot with the man-advantage.

BRASSARD LAYS THE WOOD TO BRAHMAS FORWARD
Chris Brassard got the best of Greg McConnell in a first-period fight, much to the delight of the crowd here at CenturyTel Center. It appeared two separate lefts stunned the Brahma before he was slammed to the ice by the Bugs captain.

BRASSARD ANSWERS
Mudbugs new captain Chris Brassard got his own rebound after Brahmas defenseman Mike Vellinga whiffed on a clearing attempt and the Mudbugs have tied the score at 1 just 2:39 into the game.

FORMER BUGS STRIKE FIRST
Blair Manning fed Scott Sheppard with a beautiful pass and the former Bugs combined to score 33 seconds into the game. Wow.

HONORING NO. 10
Dan Wildfong was honored by the Mudbugs before the game. In addition to a video presentation, he was presented with a stunning painting containing various images of him in a Mudbugs uniform.
Wildfong and Mudbugs head coach Scott Muscutt embraced briefly before Wildfong retreated to his post on the opposite bench.
The Mudbugs have never retired a number. If they didn't retire No. 10, they never will retire one.

FORMER TANDEM AT OPPOSITE ENDS
Former Mudbugs goaltender David Cacciola gets the start for Texas tonight while Ken Carroll will be between the pipes for the Mudbugs.

WE'RE ABOUT TO BEGIN

Welcome back to hockey, folks. The 2007-08 season is underway and we have a doozy in store tonight at CenturyTel Center.

Dan Wildfong is back in the building ... as the enemy! Wildfong's Texas Brahmas, who won last night are here to try and keep the Mudbugs winless. Wildfong isn't the only familiar face. Forbes MacPherson is Wildfong's assistant and they signed former Bugs Scott Sheppard, Blair Manning, David Cacciola and Craig Minard.

Sheppard scored twice in the Brahmas' opener and Manning tallied the game-winner at Austin with less than 3 minutes to go.

10/19: (L) RIVERKINGS 2, MUDBUGS 1

The Mississippi RiverKings beat the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs 2-1 in the season opener for both teams. Jason Lawmaster broke a 1-1 tie midway through the third period to provide the winning margin for the RiverKings.

It didn’t take long for the action to get going in the first period, as the team exchanged early power plays and early scoring chances. It was the RiverKings who would strike first however, as Derek Landmesser and Aaron Davis would set up a Ryan Campbell power play goal and put Mississippi on top at the 6:08 mark of the first. The Mudbugs would answer back immediately though, as newcomer Elias Godoy walked in on a breakaway against Mississippi’s Larry Sterling and wrested a shot over his left shoulder to get the Mudbugs even only 22 seconds later. The first period would end with the score 1-1.

Five-on-5 hockey was a rarity in the second period, as the teams traded power plays for the majority of the frame. Playing with only four defensemen, Bossier-Shreveport’s penalty killers were faced with two-man-disadvantage for 1:35. The RiverKings couldn’t get on the board though, as the Mudbugs penalty kill unit did the job. After two periods, the score remained tied at one.

The teams would continue trading penalties into the 3rd period before Lawmaster’s tally that put Mississippi ahead. Bossier-Shreveport nearly got the game even with a power play opportunity late in the contest. Despite pulling goaltender John DeCaro to get a 6-on-4 advantage inside one minute to go, the Mudbugs couldn’t get the equalizer past Larry Sterling and the RiverKings would go on to win.

Bossier-Shreveport’s power play finished 0-for-9 on the night, while Mississippi converted 1 of 10 chances. Both teams finished with 22 shots on goal.