Spiders beat Admirals, continue in First Place

Jan. 25, 2011

It was only the third time in Spider C2 regular season history when they took the ice on a Tuesday night. The rarity that was Tuesday brought the Spiders against the Admirals for the second time on the night. The history between these two teams has been an up and down rollercoaster with more wins than losses but the losses were brought about at critical times in the Spider season. Tuesday was the game mid-point of this season and an opportunity to retain sole possession of first place.

The game started off unlike other Spider games with the Spiders putting some strong pressure on the Admirals goaltender. A turn-over in the Spider zone and a one-timer at the top of the crease, put the Spiders down 1-0. Only 1:30 later, Thorson began a three goal run for the Spiders. When the scoreboard read 3-1, Bedessem and Maietta added their marks in the scoring column and Schliesman and Chris Stalpes each walked out with two assists. It appeared that the rout was on, however, a rare, unassisted, breakaway was slipped into the net on the third shot. The second period ended with the Spiders on their heals, holding onto a one goal lead.

The second period opened up with Spiders stoned with complete robbery from the Admiral goaltender. There were plenty of scoring opportunities that were thwarted but the Admirals had their own experiences of theft by the Spider netminder and the ice was definitely tipping in the Admiral favor. With 1:35 left in the period the persistence paid off when Butalla took a pass from Hilden and put the Spiders up 4-2. When the period ended, the Spiders were out-shot 11-6 but the defense and Dow held the Admirals with two goals.

The third period was a shooting gallery with the Spiders unloading 16 more shots and the Admirals adding 10 more. Add to those shots, two Spider penalties and one Admiral penalty, countless icings and it was nearing a record length for a 17 minute period. Finally with 3:11 to go in the game, Hilden added the fifth and final dagger to this Admiral team.

The final horn sounded and the Spiders retained their 2 point lead over the Fighting Piranhas. The Spiders need to continue their scoring ways and if their shots tnnight are any indiciation of the improved skills gained through practice, the winning ways will continue.

Attendance: 2