The Shreveport Mudbugs (19-15-6) grounded the Topeka Pilots all night long as they shut them out, 3-0 in front of another packed Georges Pond in Hirsch Coliseum Friday night.
The Mudbugs got off to a hot start in the 1st period when Warren Natyshak was able to nail in his fifth goal of the year from the high slot through traffic at 8:20 to give Shreveport the early 1-0 lead. C.J. Regula and Jack Jaunich earned the assists on the goal. Shreveport would storm the net once again and it was Dakota Concannon firing home his fourth goal of the year just 1:06 after Natyshak’s goal to give the Bugs a blazing 2-0 lead. Ethan Harrisong grabbed the only assist. The Bugs out-shot the Pilots, 15-5 after one period of play.
The Mudbugs added to their lead in the 2nd period when Andrew Jackson kept the puck in the offensive zone and threw it infront to Anton Rubstov who faked out the goalie and backhanded home his seventh goal of the year at 9:50. The Bugs led 3-0 and Maiszon Balboa made some nice saves to keep Topeka scoreless after two periods of play. Shreveport led in SOG, 29-15 after two.
Shreveport was able to keep Topeka in check all game long and it continued throughout the 3rd period. The Bugs out-shot the Pilots, 40-24 at the end of the game.
Balboa was terrific in net making 24 saves to earn his first shutout of the season in a 3-0 Mudbugs win.
The Bugs open up a nine-game home-stand with a victory and grab sole possession of 2nd place in the South Division with 44 points.
The Mudbugs conclude their two-game set against the Pilots tomorrow night at Georges Pond in Hirsch Coliseum. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:11 p.m. The Bugs will be auctioning off their Military-themed game worn jerseys after the game.