Spiders melt Snowmen and get back to playoff form

Feb. 17, 2008

The Spiders got back into playoff form against the Snowmen, logging 43 shots on goal against the Snowmen’s 11.

The Spiders’ high-powered offense was limited in scoring, but not scoring chances. The Snowmen’s sub goalie Brian Dow shut the Spiders out in the last 2 periods, but their 3 goals in the first was all they needed to seal the victory. Snowman goalie Dow was quoted after the game: “Holy Cow! You guys just kept bringing it in the first period.” Dow was correct; the Spiders logged 19 shots on goal in the first period alone, notching goals from rookie Spiders Stalpes, Butalla and Cagle.

Last week, the Spiders management met at an undisclosed location to discuss two pressing items: first, the trade deadline looming at the end of the month, and second, the team’s emphasis on defense as the team marches into the final 6 games before the playoffs.

The trade deadline brings some interesting conversation to the locker room, especially when the Spiders are trying to determine if they will be in the playoffs. With just six games to go in the season, the Spiders stand in 5th place, one game out of the top four teams. Management is trying to determine if they will import a key player, or if they will begin to export talent, save cap money, and build for the future. After the victory over the Snowmen, the Spiders appear to be a team hungry for playoffs. Stay tuned to this website for updates related to trades. The Spiders media relations group will be the first to bring you any significant moves.

Additionally, the Spiders new emphasis on defense has yielded significant results in the past few games, giving up only 11 shots on goal against the Snowmen, and only 19 against the Warriors. Spiders Captain Dave Schliesman was quoted after the winter meeting as saying, “Defense wins championships, and that is just what we intend to do.” The Spiders new focus on defense will continue as they make their path to the playoffs.

Next up for the Spiders is the 3rd place Rack Attack on Feb 24th at the Coliseum. There will be an autograph session following the game. Autographs can only be guaranteed for the first 500 fans in line.

Tonight’s attendance: 7