04/20/2010 9:02 PM -
RAPID CITY, SD – Parker Van Buskirk’s first professional shutout helped the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs to a 2-0 victory over the Rapid City Rush in Game 6 of the Northern Conference Finals Tuesday night at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. The win ties the best-of-seven series at three for Bossier-Shreveport, forcing a deciding Game 7 tomorrow night here in Rapid City.
Van Buskirk stopped all 27 shots he saw to improve to 3-2 and earn his first pro shutout, regular season or playoffs. Tyrel Lucas and Brett Smith both scored on odd-man rushes in the second period and the ‘Bugs killed off all six Rapid City powerplays on their way to the win.
Both teams looked sharp during a spirited first period in which the Mudbugs outshot the Rush 10-7. Neither team found the back of the net though as both goaltenders came up with big saves. The ‘Bugs opened the scoring during a 2-on-1 break at 5:07 of the second period when Tyrel Lucas sent a pass across for Adam Basford, who gave the puck right back to Lucas for a tap-in goal and a 1-0 lead.
Bossier-Shreveport added to the advantage midway through the second on another 2-on-1 break. Brett Smith and David Rutherford executed a nice give-and-go play that ended with Smith beating Danny Battochio high to the glove side at 9:54 to make it 2-0 after 40 minutes.
The Rush outshot the ‘Bugs 9-3 in the third period and had three powerplay chances, but couldn’t solve the Mudbugs defense or their young goaltender to get on the scoreboard. Van Buskirk stopped numerous screened shots and rebounds in front to preserve the goose-egg as Rapid City failed to mount a late comeback.
With the 27-save effort, Van Buskirk earned the tenth shutout in Mudbugs playoff history and first since David Cacciola had one in the 2006 conference semifinals. Danny Battochio stopped 22 shots in goal for the Rush, who outshot the ‘Bugs 27-24. Neither team converted on the powerplay with Bossier-Shreveport finishing 0 for 3 and Rapid City going 0 for 6.
The Mudbugs will now play a Game 7 for the fourth time in franchise history tomorrow night in Rapid City as they try to advance to the President’s Cup Finals for the sixth time. The winner of tomorrow night’s game will face the winner of Game 7 in the Southern Conference Finals between Allen and Odessa, which is also being played Wednesday night.
Opening faceoff is once again set for 7:35 pm, with pregame coverage starting at 7:15 on News Radio 710 AM KEEL. The game will also be shown live online on CHL TV, and Mudbugs fans are invited to another playoff watch party tomorrow night at Buffalo Wild Wings on the Louisiana Boardwalk.
