Lafayette, LA-The Louisiana IceGators are going into Pensacola Tuesday, March 16, to face the Ice Flyers with the last post-season playoff spot on the line. The ‘Gators are currently 11 points behind Columbus for the sixth and final playoff spot with only seven games remaining.

The last time the Ice Flyers faced the IceGators, the ’Gators won 4-0. A.J. Bucchino (LOU) had 31 saves en route to his second shut out of the season. Mike Ruberto (LOU) had two points, first scoring a goal 1:45 into the second period and an assist on a Cam Lilly (LOU) goal in the third period. Tobais Karlsson (LOU) and Igor Karlov (LOU) added goals to guide the ‘Gators to the victory.

Both teams are entering the game coming off loses. Pensacola lost to Columbus 9-6 and Louisiana lost to Huntsville 3-2.

Lorne Misita (PEN), Mark Hinz (PEN), and Ryan Scott (PEN) lead the Ice Flyers. Hinz leads all defensemen with 12 goals and 8 power play goals. Scott is currently tied for the league lead in shot outs with 2, third in saves at 964, and forth with a save percentage of .906. Misita leads the league with 6 shorthanded goals and is sixth in points with 60.

“We are in a must win situation,” replied Louisiana Head Coach Dave MacIsaac. “Our backs are against the wall, hopefully ours guys respond and come out fired up.”

Joining the ‘Gators on the road trip is one lucky fan. Brandon Broussard was the lucky fan getting to travel with the team for the game Tuesday night. Brandon won the contest Saturday night over two other participants because he knew whom the IceGators lost to in the Kelly Cup Finals, South Carolina Stingrays.

The ‘Gators continue the road trip going to Huntsville, on March 18, and Columbus, on March 19. Louisiana will return home for the final time of the 2009-10 season on March 20 against the Columbus Cottonmouths.



Permalink | Comments