The IceRays returned home to American Bank Center for the first time in nearly three weeks on Friday evening. It was only a two game home stand, but Corpus Christi took advantage of home ice in game one.
The reigning Robertson Cup champion Mudbugs got out to a hot start in the game as they scored two in the first period. They took the lead into the first intermission.
Shreveport took a lead to the second intermission as well, but this time, it was only a one goal lead. Nathan Butler scored to make the IceRays hill less steep as they entered the second intermission.
In the third, Stepan Kuznetsov scored to tie the game at two right away in the period. Shreveport regained the lead five minutes of gameplay later. The Mudbugs held the lead until under six minutes remained in the final period.
Oliver Stumpel scored on the power play to get the Rays back into a tie with the Mudbugs, and Albin Persson scored the game winning goal a couple of minutes later. The IceRays scored an empty netter minutes later and won game one 5-3.
Game two didn’t shine as brightly late for the IceRays with Shreveport once again opening the scoring in period number one. They took a 1-0 lead into the first break.
In period number two, the IceRays were the first to strike with Stepan Kuznetsov scoring his third goal in four games for Corpus. Shreveport regained the lead and took the 2-1 advantage into the break.
Unlike Friday, the IceRays did not score four goals in the third period. Instead, the Mudbugs found their way to a 4-1 win.
The IceRays hit the road this week as they travel to Albuquerque to face off against the New Mexico Ice Wolves. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:30 CT on Friday night and 7:30 CT on Saturday. If you are unable to make the trip, the games can be found on Brewster Street Radio and HockeyTV.