The Shreveport Mudbugs (16-4-2-2) scored a dramatic goal late in the 3rd period, but fell in the shootout to the playoff foe Corpus Christi Ice Rays Saturday night at the American Bank Center.
It was an intense first period between both teams where there were quality scoring chances on both ends of the ice. Larry Jungwirth would score the period’s only goal at 17:30 to put Corpus Christi, 1-0 after 1.
The Mudbugs answered back in the 2nd period when Cole Quisenberry slammed home a rebound in front of the cage for his 8th goal of the year. The only assist went to Andrew Lane at 8:32 to tie the game up at 1. James Durham made big saves in the period to keep the game tied after 2.
The third period got testy between the two and was nerve-racking at the end of the period as well. Blake Coffey would score for Corpus Christi at 17:53 to put the Ice Rays up 2-1 late in the game. The never-say-die Bugs though responded with a rocket of a shot from Brendon Gysbers with the extra attacker on the ice and on the powerplay as well. It was Gysber’s 2nd goal of the year which tied the game up at 19:25 of the period.
The game stayed tied at 2 until the shootout where the Ice Rays scored twice and the Mudbugs came up empty on their attempts.
James Durham made 34 saves to help carry the Bugs to a hard earned point tonight.
Shreveport has earned at least a point in their last nine games.
The Mudbugs and Ice Rays will conclude their two-game swing tomorrow afternoon from the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, TX. Puck drop is scheduled for 3:05pm.