The Shreveport Mudbugs (23-13-6) got another big performance from their leaders to knock off New Mexico, 4-2 and earn the sweep at Outpost Ice Arenas Saturday night.
The Bugs opened up the scoring at 8:41 of the opening period when Eric Vitale found Drake Morse charging into the offensive zone and it was Morse sniping in his 13th goal of the campaign from the near circle to give SHV the early 1-0 advantage. Shreveport led in SOG, 16-7 after one.
NM tied the game just 41 seconds into the second period when Alfred Lindberg laced in a rebound along the far side for his seventh goal of the year to even the score, 1-1. The Bugs responded at 3:49 as Eric Vitale skated through the slot and roofed in his 11th goal of the season to give SHV the lead back at 2-1. Jaden Goldie earned the only helper. Then the Bugs cashed in on the PP when Jake Mack redirected home his 11th tally of the year in front to push the lead to 3-1 at 18:57. Logan Heroux continues to be a point machine picking up the only assist on Mack’s goal. SHV led in SOG, 31-16 after two.
The Ice Wolves would get closer on the PP at 17:53 when Yusako Ando slid in his ninth goal of the year from the far circle to cut the deficit to 3-2. That’s the closest NM would get though as Logan Heroux hammered home the EN goal from across the ice for his sixth tally to put the game away winning 4-2 over the Ice Wolves.
Simon Bucheler earned his 17th win in net to help SHV win for the fifth time in their last six games.
The Bugs will renew their long-time rivalry w/ the Lone Star Brahmas as the two teams will face off for a two-game series at Nytex Sports Centre beginning next Friday night. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.