The Shreveport Mudbugs (4-1) come back from multiple deficits late in the game to upend the Minnesota Magicians, 4-3 in OT Friday morning in day 3 of the NAHL Showcase.
Both teams traded scoring chances in the opening period, but no puck went across. Tenions flared from both teams as well with multiple skirmishes leading to lots of penalty minutes on both sides.
After a scoreless first period, Minnesota broke through with a scrappy goal in front from Joel Pavey which led to a scuffle after the game’s first tally. The goal from the Magicians broke Maiszon Balboa’s streak of not allowing a goal to start the season at almost 147 minutes of play. The Bugs trailed 1-0 after two periods of play.
The Bugs trailed 2-0 late in the game until Davis Goukler and the Captain David Breazeale scored goals – 45 seconds apart at 14:11 and 14:56 of the 3rd period dramatically tying the game up 2-2. The tie was short-lived as Minnesota scored again on the PP making it a 3-2 game at 16:28. The Bugs responded yet again with the extra attacker on as Jack Smiley slammed home the rebound in front at 18:27 tying the game up again, 3-3.
The game would go to OT and it was Jacob Smith who did it himself as he slipped in his own rebound for his third goal of the year and the game-winner lifting Shreveport to a dramatic 4-3 come from behind victory.
Maiszon Balboa grabs his third straight win in net to begin the season and the Bugs to 4-1 on the young season.
The Mudbugs will conclude their 2019 NAHL Showcase as they’ll face off against the Minnesota Wilderness. Puck drop is scheduled for 3:45 p.m.