Joe Blaznek, Travis Clayton and Mark Johnson celebrate a second empty net goal on the Brahmas

Mudbugs end Brahmas' win streak

Score two empty-netters to seal 4-1 victory

The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs ended a six-game losing streak to the Brahmas, soundly defeating their former division rivals 4-1 at the CenturyTel Center on Saturday night. The 'Bugs last beat the Bulls in the season opener on October 17th. The Brahmas had won 10 out of their last 11 games against the Mudbugs, going back to last season’s sweep in the Northern Conference semifinals.

“They wanted it more than we did,” Dan Wildfong told the Shreveport Times' Kelly Morris. “The game plan we drew up, we didn’t come close to doing it. I thought we worked hard but not smart. They’re one of the toughest teams we’ve played in awhile.”

From a first-hand viewpoint, it seemed the Brahmas fought hard for 60 minutes but were stymied by their opponent, much like the Colorado Eagles were the night before at the NYTEX Sports Centre. Overall, the Mudbugs played excellent defense; Horrell was outstanding in the net and their penalty kill was a big contributor to the win.

The Brahmas record goes to 31-11-4 with 66 points. They retain their hold on the top slot in the Southern Conference, although Odessa earned a point in their overtime loss to Wichita to move within a point of a tie. The Laredo Bucks remain 10 points behind.

The teams played an aggressive first period marked by unsuccessful powerplays, with both teams finishing the period 0 for 3 on the man advantage. The Brahmas outshot the Mudbugs 11-9 in the period, which ended scoreless.

In the second period, the Mudbugs got on the board first when Joe Blaznek received a pass from Dale Lupul along the blue line and took a shot. Brett Jaeger was able to get a glove on it in front of the crease but couldn't maintain control. J.J. Martin took a shot on the rebound and was able to find the back of the net to make it a 1-0 game at the 4:01 mark.

Later in the second, the Mudbugs killed off 1:25 of 5-on-3 powerplay time for the Brahmas to preserve the 1-0 lead. The Mudbugs outshot the Brahmas 16-9 in the middle period.

The Brahmas had another 5-on-3 chance for 0:55 early in the third period, but Travis Clayton came up with two big clears.

The Mudbugs scored again when Blaznek picked up a loose puck along the boards in the Brahmas’ zone and fired a low shot through Jaeger’s legs to make it 2-0 at the 7:32 mark. Quade Lightbody and Kevin Cooper were credited with the assist.

Just over two minutes later, the Brahmas finally got on the board with a shorthanded goal when Eric Lundberg tipped in a long shot by Travis Banga to make it 2-1 at the 9:48 mark. Newcomer Brandon Benedict was also in on the assist, getting his first point in the CHL.

Eric Lundberg celebrates his goal with Travis Banga and Brandon Benedict who were in on the assist

The Mudbugs’ penalty killers had to step up again midway through the third period, shutting down another minute of two-man advantage time for the Brahmas to hang on to the narrow lead.

After a tripping call on Mark Johnson at the 17:28 mark, the Brahmas gambled bigtime on a late powerplay opportunity. Dan Wildfong pulled Brett Jaeger in favor of the extra attacker but when Dale Lupul got the puck in his own zone, he banked it off the boards and into the net to take a 3-1 lead with 1:13 left to play.

Not sure why Fonger decided to keep Jaeger on the bench after that, but the result was Joe Blaznek finishing it off at the 19:40 mark with another empty-netter off an assist from Travis Clayton and Mark Johnson.

The Shots were even in the third period at 11, but the Mudbugs had a 36-31 edge in the game.

Jon Horrell was solid in the net stopping 30 of 31 shots, including this one by Greg McConnell

With the loss, Brett Jaeger's record goes to 22-6-4-2. Jaeger stopped 32 of 34 shots in the game. Jon Horrell improved to 7-1-1, stopping 30 of 31.

The Brahmas were assessed 16 minutes on 8 penalties. The Mudbugs were assessed 22 minutes on 11 penalties. On special teams, the Brahmas went 0 for 10 on the powerplay. The Mudbugs went 1 for 7.

Craig Minard earned the third star. J.J. Martin and Joe Blaznek received the second and first stars, respectively.

You can view the box score here

You can view my photos from the game here

The Brahmas return home for a couple of days before heading up to the Ford Center in Oklahoma City to face off against the Blazers in a 10:35 am game on Tuesday morning.

Photo Credits: Robert Keith