The Shreveport Mudbugs (41-17-2) gave up two sets of three unanswered goals to fall 6-2 to the El Paso Rhinos in the regular season finale at George’s Pond in Hirsch Coliseum Saturday night.
SHV opened up the scoring at 13:29 of the opening period as Kyan Haldenby one-timed in his 21st goal of the year from the right point to give the Bugs an early 1-0 lead. Nick Marino made the perfect pass and earned the only helper. ELP responded w/ goal from Bradley Walker to even the score, 1-1 at 14:28. SHV led in SOG, 11-9 after one.
ELP got goals from Tim Mathys and Camden Bajzer at 1:39 and 12:13 respectively to give the Rhinos a 3-1 lead in the second period. SHV answered as Liam Fleet took a bouncing puck and drove home his seventh tally of the year to get the Bugs within one at 3-2 at 13:23. SHV tender Tanner Morgan earned his first point picking up the assist.
SHV couldn’t get much going offensively for most of the third period. ELP distanced themselves w/ goals from Tory Lund, Bradley Walker, and Tristan Zarsky to pull away from the Bugs, 6-2.
The Bugs will have a 1st-Round Playoff Bye in the Robertson Cup Playoffs as the #2 seed in the South Division. SHV will play the second lowest remaining seed to come out of the play-in series .It’ll be a best-of-five 2nd round playoff series w/ Games 1 and 2 at George’s Pond in Hirsch Coliseum on April 19th and 20th. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:11 p.m. both days. Playoff packs are on sale now, please purchase them ASAP by giving our box office a call at (318) 636-7094 or email Kimberly Jacks at kimberly@mudbugshockey.com.