Spiders thrown overboard in 7-2 loss to Mutiny

Dec. 16, 2014

(AP) Mendota Heights — After completion of the first quarter mark of the B3 Spiders 2014-2015 campaign, one thing about this team has become clear — they know how to play from behind.

All three of the Spiders wins to date have come in games in which the “Red and Black” trailed by two or more goals early and then orchestrated a comeback in the final period to claim victory.

For a moment during their 7-2 loss to the Mutiny late Sunday night, it felt as if the Spiders (3-3) might tap into that familiar formula. But that moment became fleeting.

After a giving up three quick goals eight minutes into the first period, and a fourth early in the second period, the Spiders buckled down on defense and finally found themselves on the scoreboard when Cody Buckalew (2 goals on the season) — planted in the high slot during a Spiders power play — netted a near-perfect pass from Shawn Tromiczak (7th assist) at 5:41 of the second period. The power play goal seemed to give the Spiders the juice they would need to mount yet another comeback, just one week after they managed to scrub out a five-goal deficit in an emotionally charged 8-6 win over the Gators. But no such resurgence would occur at St. Thomas Academy ice Arena, as the Mutiny’s goaltending (32 saves on 34 shots) bolstered by smothering defensive presence in front of the net proved to be the difference maker.

After stumbling out of the gate in the first half of the game, the Spiders improved their offensive effort, and appeared to be working the puck really well to set up quality shots throughout the second period. Despite the fact that they were trailing 4-1 after two periods, a comeback was not out of the equation for a team that has defined itself by such terms. But the probability of pulling off another late-game victory was all but dashed at 14:50 of the third period when forward D. Warner scored his third goal of the contest to give the Mutiny (2-3-1 on the season) a 5-1 lead.

The Spiders attempted to make some cosmetic improvements to the scoreboard when Jay Hilden (first goal of the season) flipped a puck behind the opposing goalie on a drop pass from Tromiczak (8th assist) with 4:34 remaining. But the Mutiny appeared determined to make sure the scoreboard reflected accurately what turned out to be a mostly lopsided game tipped in their favor, when they notched another goal with 40 seconds remaining.

The loss was a tough one to swallow for the Spiders and more proof that parity is alive and well in B3 East Division. Although it’s too soon to play math games with playoff prospects, the Spiders are technically above the “cut line” for making the playoffs as they hold the head-to-head tie breaker with the Loons to give them fourth place in the standings.

A 14-day layoff awaits the Spiders before they resume play Saturday, Dec. 27 against the first-place Taz Devils. If you have yet to file any requests with Santa Claus, please feel free to ask him for a little Christmas magic to come the Spiders’ way between the holidays.