Bugs vs Rayz, Pregame

Over the past 2 seasons the Rayz have come to town only a few times, but its a great game every time they do. Don't pay attention to the records, this game will most likely be decided by 1 goal, the last 5 games between these two have been. One of the most memorable games of the 05-06 season came on a Tuesday night, against Corpus Christi. The Rayz were nearing the end of a terrible season, while the Mudbugs were riding one of their usual mid-season winning streaks. The Bugs played well in the first period, racking up 19 shots, but Scott Reid was up to the task and the game was scoreless after 1. The Rayz took the lead early in the 2nd period, and despite getting more shots, the Bugs couldn't tie it up and the Rayz had the lead going into the 3rd period. Jason Campbell(who has been activated for tonights game) scored early in the 3rd and the game was tied until the Rayz took the lead again, with under 10 minutes left. The Bugs kept getting shot after shot, but Reid kept making save after save for the Rayz. Finally, with 3:41 seconds left, Chris Brassard tied the game. With under a minute left on the clock, the Bugs had a face off just to the right of Reid, Blair Manning won the face off and sent the puck to the blue line where a waiting Dale Lupul blasted the one-time home and gave the Bugs the win. It was definitely a game that would have "hooked" a lot of casual fans, if it had been on a weekend, but unfortunately it wasn't and only the die-hards were there to witness it.

The Rayz are having another bad season (so far) and are a combined -75, and their goalies are giving up nearly 4 goals a game, while their offense is producing just over 2 per game. Even Austin is doing better so far this season.

My Prediction

Bugs-5 Rayz-0

Yes, I know the Rays have made a habit out of playing us close, but I think the facts that they are winless on the road, don't have a goalie to keep them in games and the Bugs have started to dominate teams on home ice, will doom the Rayz. I think Johnny gets the start and extends his shutout streak, and everybody in attendance gets root-44's for the first time this season.