OKLAHOMA CITY–In a game reminiscent of low-scoring and intense playoff showdowns, the Oklahoma Warriors defeated the Shreveport Mudbugs 2-1 at Blazers Ice Centre on Friday.
William Ahlrik tapped in Branko Vukas’ shot from the left side of the net to put the Warriors on top with 2:41 remaining in regulation. Oklahoma proceeded to kill off a 6-on-4 power play for Shreveport in the final minute of the contest to seal the win.
Louie Kamienski scored the Warriors’ first goal on a breakaway late in the opening period. The Warriors’ defense stifled everything at 5-on-5 for the Mudbugs, whose only goal came on a deflected power play shot. Daniel Duris only faced 20 shots, of which he stopped 19 to earn the win. It is Duris’ first time winning a game with that low of a shot total this season.
The victory, one of the Warriors’ most exciting this year, is their third in the last four games. Oklahoma meets Shreveport for the 12th and final time this regular season Saturday night. Puck drop is 7:15 p.m. from Blazers Ice Centre. Fans are encouraged to stick around after the game for a live jersey auction featuring the Warriors’ alternate orange sweaters.