NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TX — The Brahmas traveled to Shreveport for three games in three days. After a few suspensions following Friday’s game and with several forwards already out with injury, Lone Star cobbled together a lineup the next two nights and came away with a shootout win on the weekend.
FRIDAY (3-1 LOSS)
Brahmas special teams had a substandard night, giving up the first two goals of the night to Shreveport, one of which was a power play goal and the other a shorthanded strike.
Shreveport never relinquished the lead, although forward Eric Huss scored his first goal as a Brahma to cut the deficit in half in the second period.
That's what we like to see — @Eric_Huss_12 sticks with it in the crease and buries to get the Brahmas on the board! pic.twitter.com/zEeLlbhgJT
— Lone Star Brahmas (@LoneStarBrahmas) December 15, 2018
Huss’ tally was the only Brahmas goal of the game, as Lone Star fell 3-1.
SATURDAY (5-4 SO WIN)
Brahmas defensemen led the way in Lone Star’s best offensive performance since a 7-goal explosion back in October. Blake Evennou had a four-point night, scoring a goal and adding three assists.
With only nine forwards playing, it was a good thing the blue line stepped up.
Kimball Johnson scored the opening goal of the game on a Brahmas power play midway through the first period.
Interesting camerawork, but what a shot by @kimball_76 for the power play goal and the 1-0 lead! pic.twitter.com/ShcM7jkzmN
— Lone Star Brahmas (@LoneStarBrahmas) December 16, 2018
Blake Evennou added to the lead just two minutes later, scoring a power play goal of his own.
Brahmas defensemen are dangerous from the point, what can we say? @blakeevennou brings the 🔨 and scores the Brahmas' second power play goal of the night! pic.twitter.com/VVkVsvolII
— Lone Star Brahmas (@LoneStarBrahmas) December 16, 2018
The Mudbugs got on the board before the first was over with a power play goal of their own to make it 2-1.
Newly acquired defenseman Trevor Wilhelm scored just seconds into the second period to give the Brahmas the 3-1 lead.
🚨GOAL!🚨
Sorry you can't see him in the frame, but @SilkySmooth_22 makes it 3-1 under a minute into the second period! pic.twitter.com/k07uFXYYya
— Lone Star Brahmas (@LoneStarBrahmas) December 16, 2018
Shreveport got the goal right back, however, scoring less than a minute after Wilhelm to bring the deficit back to one goal.
There were no more goals through the second period, but Joey Baez scored his first goal as a Brahma on the power play to make the score 4-2 in the third.
Power play is absolutely buzzing tonight. @_joeybaez26 puts it away for his first goal as a Brahma! pic.twitter.com/MT2AF161SI
— Lone Star Brahmas (@LoneStarBrahmas) December 16, 2018
Shreveport, however, scored twice before the period was over, once with their goalie pulled.
Five minutes of overtime didn’t solve anything, and the Brahmas and Mudbugs went to another shootout — their third against each other this season.
Scott Persson and Matt Guerra both scored for the Brahmas, and Seth Eisele made two stops for the win.
Kid comes in for the shootout, buries. Love that out of @scottpersson10. pic.twitter.com/6LK863H10E
— Lone Star Brahmas (@LoneStarBrahmas) December 16, 2018
Just a spectacular move from Matt Guerra to secure a shootout victory for the @LoneStarBrahmas! pic.twitter.com/39se4H0Vhs
— NAHL (@NAHLHockey) December 16, 2018
SUNDAY (3-1 LOSS)
Despite once again playing with just nine forwards in their third game in as many days, the Brahmas were able to hold their own.
Shreveport was able to score in the second period, but a third period goal from Thomas Daskas provided the equalizer.
Big scramble in the crease and @td_hockey99 puts it away! pic.twitter.com/FpXI881smH
— Lone Star Brahmas (@LoneStarBrahmas) December 17, 2018
Unfortunately, some late penalties resulted in two Shreveport power play goals — one on an empty net — in the final two minutes of play, and the Brahmas fell 3-1 in the rubber match of the weekend series.
UP NEXT
The Brahmas return home to face the Corpus Christi IceRays on December 21st and 22nd. They will be sporting specialty Santa-themed jerseys on both nights. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 PM.