The Shreveport Mudbugs (27-18-5) overcame a controversial goal against them late as Austin Brimmer scores the game-winning goal in the shootout to lift them to another big 3-2 win over the New Mexico Ice Wolves in front of a sold out crowd at Outpost Ice Arenas.
Both teams traded a few grade A scoring chances, but neither could find the back of the net in a scoreless opening period. Shreveport led in SOG, 12-7 after one.
Shreveport broke the ice at 14:13 of the 2nd period as Logan Gotinsky got a rebound in front and shoveled home his eighth tally of the campaign to give the Bugs a 1-0 edge. Lukas Sedlacek and Carter Green set up the play and earned the assists. NM responded at 16:45 when Brandon Holt got some space from the RW circle and snapped home his 13th goal of the season to even the score, 1-1. The reigning champs led in SOG, 22-21 after two.
The Bugs would then regain the lead at 13:34 of the third period as Logan Gotinsky waited out Beni Halasz and snapped home his second goal of the night to give Shreveport a 2-1 lead. Sedlacek earned his second helper on the goal. New Mexico would respond again at 18:53 on a fluky play when Wilmer Svensson would redirect home his 10th goal of the season from the short side to even the score up again, 2-2.
The game would stay tied 2-2 going into the shootout session for a third straight game for the Bugs. The only goal scored from either team would come from Austin Brimmer in the third round who faked out the goalie and went to the backhand to bury home yet another big shootout tally for him. Devon Bobak stopped all three shots from the Ice Wolves to come away with a thrilling 3-2 victory.
Bobak was sensational yet again between the pipes making 35 saves to earn his 23rd win of the season.
The Bugs and Wolves will conclude their series tomorrow night from the Outpost Ice Arenas in Albuquerque, NM. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT.