Lafayette, LA-The IceGators (18-27-2) came into today needing to win and get points to gain ground on the Cottonmouths of Columbus but Mississippi did not help the situation.  The Mississippi Surge (28-11-8) dominated the ‘Gators today winning 3-0.  Mississippi leads the league and has clinched its place in the post season.   

Mississippi scored a little more than eight minutes into the opening period on a Jeff Bieber (MIS) goal.  Four minutes later, Matt Zultek (MIS) scored a short-handed goal to give the Surge a 2-0 lead. The IceGators were unable to capitalize on the 17 penalty minutes against Mississippi.   

The second period began much like the first period did.  Mississippi’s Jack Wolgemuth scored his sixth goal of the season to put the Surge up 3-0.  The ‘Gators bright spot of the period was AJ Bucchino was able to save the 11 of the 12 shots on goal.  Louisiana was out shot in the second period 12-6.

The third period went by quickly.  Mississippi’s goalie Matt Zaniboni had 28 saves and ten in the third period in his shut out of the IceGators. 

“Today was a struggle,” stated Dave MacIsaac after losing to Mississippi.  “This is going to make it hard to make the playoffs but we can’t give up.  We have to improve.”

The IceGators return home on Saturday, March 13 to face-off against the Huntsville Havoc at 7:05.  The ‘Gators have eight games remaining in the 2009-10 season and only two home games left.  Louisiana trails Columbus by nine points for the final spot on the playoffs.