Tonight the Ice Wolves concluded their season series with the Lone Star Brahmas. New Mexico entered the contest looking to avoid a series sweep (0-7). The Brahmas had just shutout the Ice Wolves the night before by a score of 4-0. New Mexico finished with their fewest shots in a game at ten.
Lone Star came out of the gate extremely fast, as they scored on their first shot just :32 seconds into the first period. Matt Guerra (17) was able to receive a back door pass from Michal Stinil. The Brahmas went on to score another goal 1:10 later, thanks to Thomas Daskas (16). Once again the Brahmas managed to have a guy wide open for an easy tap-in. Shots were even after 20 minutes of play, 8-8.
In the second period it appeared that there would be no goal scoring, until Joey Baez (31) beat Henrik Laursen with less than a second left on the clock. Making it a 3-0 Brahmas lead heading into the locker room after 40 minutes. Lone Star heavily outshot New Mexico is the middle period, 16-3. Although, the Ice Wolves did have moments of scoring opportunities but nothing was getting past Cayden Bailey.
In the final period of regulation, the Brahmas picked up where they left off by scoring 2:44 into the period. Once again it was Thomas Daskas (17) on the receiving end of a cross–crease pass. The Ice Wolves managed to record six shots in the third period but none were able to find the back of the net. Resulting in not only a 4-0 win for the Brahmas but also a series sweep. Laursen finished his sixth-straight start between the pipes with 33 saves. Cayden Bailey earned his 11th shutout of the season after saving 17 shots.
Bailey’s shutout ties a NAHL record for most shutouts in a season. The Ice Wolves must wait until next year to exact revenge on Lone Star. New Mexico will look to defend their den for the next three weekends. Two of those weekends will be played against the Corpus Christi IceRays, who the Ice Wolves are chasing for fifth place. To purchase tickets for any of the remaining six home games for the Ice Wolves, click here.