The Evansville Thunderbolts continued their “Southern Tour” on Saturday night as they took on the Columbus Cottonmouths after bussing in from Huntsville, after having dropped Friday night’s wild 7-4 offensive shoot-out to the Havoc. Columbus came into the game with two straight losses to Mississippi after winning five of their previous six. Columbus now has a five-point lead on Roanoke in the playoff race and can clinch the final spot if the Rail Yard Dawgs lose any of their last three games.

            Evansville and Columbus would trade scoring opportunities through the early part of the first period until Mark Petaccio netted his fifth goal of the season at the 12:52 mark. Dave Williams assisted on the goal. With the assist, “Slick Willy” now has 35 points in 51 games this season. Petr Senkerik would bring things back even for the Cottonmouths midway through the second and Craig Simchuk would give them a 2-1 lead early in the third. Evansville’s Cole Hutchinson would respond to make it 2-2 a no more than 30 seconds later, with rookie Robbie Hall got the lone helper on the play. The Cottonmouths would make the Thunderbolts pay for a late penalty as Keegan Bruce would score what would turn out to be the game winner with about five and a half minutes left in the game. 

            Tanner Milliron made 22 saves on 25 shots, rebounding after a hard night in Huntsville the previous evening. Columbus’ Mavric Parks had a strong outing, turning away 29 of the 33 shots he faced. Cory Melkert and Vadim Guskov squared off in the first for the only fight of the game.

            Evansville will take on the Mississippi RiverKings today at 3 PM CST to conclude their three-game road trip. The Thunderbolts return home next week as they play the Cottonmouths on Friday, April 7th and Saturday, April 8th. Saturday’s game will be the season finale for the Thunderbolts. Puck drops at 7:15 both nights. Tickets available online and at the door.