Spiders score early, often to get back in win column, beat IceDogs 6–1

Facing the last-place IceDogs for the second time, the slumping Spiders got back on track to notch first win in a month.

The game at Breck was eerily similar to the previous meeting of the two teams. The Spiders got out front first, the Dogs made it interesting, the Spiders took over scoring, and officiating crew got cramps whistling the extracurricular behavior.

Last time, the penalties were spread around evenly. Tonight, the Dogs had the slight advantage in PIM, after #44 gave the ref a piece or three of his mind, and setting #25 off on a one-man standards of play demo. Though the Spiders did eventually give the Dogs plenty of Power Play practice, including a minute and a half of 5-on-3 in the third, which gave netminder Bill McCormick plenty of opportunity to make some highlight-reel saves on seemingly sure-thing chances.

The Spiders offense also made the highlight reel, with spectacular goals from Farner (cycled), Lavigne (slotted), Schuster (collapsed), Johnson (breakaway), Schroeder (“ugly”), and the nightcap from Schuster again, late in the second.

Chance will make playoffs (courtesy sportsstats)
Team P GH W L OT T GD % Change
  • y = clinched division
  • x = clinched playoff berth
Moose –x 18 1 9 1 0 0 36 100.0 -0.0
Mastodons 16 1 8 2 0 0 28 99.9 -0.0
Fighting Saints 14 1 7 3 0 0 3 89.4 -4.5
Sled Dogs 10 1 5 5 0 0 10 77.7 -8.0
Spiders 10 5 6 0 0 2 31.2 13.1
Ak Bars 6 2 3 6 0 0 -9 1.8 -0.5
Diablos 3 2 1 7 0 1 -31 0.0 -0.0
Icedogs 3 1 9 0 1 -39 0.0 -0.0

With the win, the Spiders (5–6; 10 pts.) finally add points in the standings to keep pace with the middle of the pack. As is usually the case, the clogged middle of the division usually comes down to the final weeks. Back in the running, the Spiders still sit one out of a playoff spot, but tied in points with the Sled Dogs (5–5). For those accountant-types who need their fill of anal-stats, head to the usual place.

Next up, a rematch with the third-place Fighting Saints (7–3; 14 pts.), where the Spiders will try to climb back to .500 puck. The last meeting was the Saints’ first win — ever — over the Spiders.

For details, see the box score and game summary.

Game media

Spiders at IceDogs, Jan. 7, 2013
Spiders at IceDogs, Jan. 7, 2013

Five-on-three PK.

Spiders at IceDogs, Jan. 7, 2013
Spiders at IceDogs, Jan. 7, 2013
Spiders at IceDogs, Jan. 7, 2013
Spiders at IceDogs, Jan. 7, 2013
Spiders at IceDogs, Jan. 7, 2013
Spiders at IceDogs, Jan. 7, 2013

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