The Shreveport Mudbugs (4-3-1) squeezed out a 1-0 victory over the El Paso Rhinos thanks to great goaltending and earned their first series sweep in the young season at George’s Pond in Hirsch Coliseum Saturday night.
The Bugs had great offensive zone time in the 1st period and put pressure on El Paso, but was unable to cash in. Simon Bucheler was solid between the pipes early in the game for Shreveport to keep the game scoreless after one period. The defending champs led in SOG, 13-8.
The game stayed scoreless until the 18:13 mark of the 2nd period when Logan Valkama did great work down low and dished a pass short side to Garrett Steele as he roofed in his third goal of the season and in this series to break the ice and give Shreveport a 1-0 lead. The Bugs dominated the middle frame out-shooting the Rhinos, 19-9.
The Mudbugs held off a late power surge from El Paso in the 3rd period as Bucheler was terrific in net making all 25 saves to earn his first shutout on the young season.
Shreveport earns their first series sweep of the season.
The Bugs will conclude this home-stand with Cancer Awareness weekend brought to you by Renee’s Run next Friday and Saturday night. Shreveport will battle the talented Amarillo Wranglers with puck drop scheduled for 7:11 p.m.next Friday at George’s Pond in Hirsch Coliseum.