The Shreveport Mudbugs (33-17) got another stellar start from Maiszon Balboa and scored enough to shutout the Odessa Jackalopes, 3-0 Saturday night at George’s Pond in Hirsch Coliseum.
There was no scoring in the first period as the Bugs out-shot the Jacks, 14-6.
The game stayed scoreless for most of the 2nd period as well with stellar goaltending from both sides. The Bugs however would change that in the final minute as they continued to buzz around the net and it was Timofei Khokhlachev hammering home a rebound in front for his 12th goal of the season giving Shreveport the 1-0 edge. Anton Rubstov and Sam Miller earned the assists on the game’s only goal at the time at 19:25. Shreveport led in SOG, 32-11 after two periods of play.
The Bugs added to their lead at 6:50 of the 3rd period as Alexis Girard smokes in his seventh goal of the year from the left point which gave Shreveport a 2-0 lead. Conor Witherspoon and Ryan Dickinson earn the assists. The Mudbugs put the game away at 13:55 as Brent Keefer rammed home his 10th goal of the year off a lucky bounce off the end boards making it a 3-0 contest. Dilan Peters earned the only assist on the play.
Maiszon Balboa stopped all sixteen shots he saw to earn his second straight shutout and 18th win of the season.
Shreveport sweeps Odessa for the first time this season.
The Bugs will welcome in their most storied rival in the Lone Star Brahmas next Friday and Saturday night at George’s Pond in Hirsch Coliseum. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:11 p.m. for both contests.