Nov 20 2009
DeCaro backstops the Bugs to a 3-1 Victory
The Bossier Shreveport Mudbugs were fortunate when All Star goalie John DeCaro was signed to the team this season. They are feeling just as fortunate tonight, as he was arguably the best player on the ice tonight stopping 40 of 41 shots on the way to a 3-1 win on home ice.
Mudbugs Mark Johnson and RiverKings Darrell Stoddard must have had their dance cards stamped and ready to go before the game. It took just two seconds into the game for the dance to start. Turns out Johnson was better dancer than Stoddard. Johnson won the bout without a doubt.
For the remainder of the period the two teams played a fast paced game, racking up 11 shots apiece. Fortunately for the Mudbugs, one of those shots went in. Mark Johnson scored his 1st of the season with less than a minute left in the period with help from Brett Smith and Matt Cook, giving his team the 1-0 lead after the first 20.
The Mudbugs upped the lead to 2-0 on the powerplay when Travis Clayton put home his 2nd of the season with help from David Pszenyczny and Mark Johnson, who with that assist, Johnson completes the first “Gordie Howe Hat trick of the season (a goal, assist and a fight).
The RiverKings cut the lead in half when the team’s leading scorer, Ryan Held, scored their lone goal of the night with less than three minutes left in the 2nd period. The RiverKings outshot the Mudbugs 17-6 in that period and had a 28-17 shot advantaged through the first 40 minutes.
The Mudbugs literally hung on to their slim 2-1 lead on the back of their netminder John DeCaro throughout the rest of the game. Neil Clark put the icing on the cupcake firing his 3rd of the season into the empty net with only 11 seconds left. The goal was unassisted.
Both teams will follow each other Southaven, Mississippi for the second half of the home and home to be played at 7:05pm tonight. The Mudbugs moved to the .500 mark at 6-6 for 12pts. – (Post Updated – 11/24/09)
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Thanks so much once again Sabrbug—-you are without a doubt the best. This the the first site I visit every morning.
I love the pic of the brick wall you put up while talking about Decs. That’s what I was calling him all night. Was nice to see our guys get a home win for the 1st time this season. I missed the last one. Great article as always. Have to agree with Iluvhockey on this being the 1st site I visit every morning.
What can I say??? Since my “BOSS” runs a sweat shop; it’s the last one I see at night; also. (lmao) Just a little joke. I love the Insider. And working at The Insider is not only fun. It’s a huge learning experience.
I love all the blogs you write. I know it’s alot after doing all the other updates at night also; but there are many many fans (not just from around here) that enjoy reading them. Keep em comin, Sabr. (wink wink)
One other thing. Thought the guys did an awesome job in holding on to win this one. Especially being so short-handed right now. WTG JD & company. Look for KC to be in net tonight. JD had a workout last night. Hope KC gets a win; also.