Spiders overwhelmed by Fighting Piranhas
Nov. 13, 2013
Fighting Piranhas Blue vs. Spiders
Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013,
7:30 p.m. – EPCC 1
Game 2 (AHA game 3356)
- Fighting Piranhas Blue final score:
- 7
- Spiders final score:
- 4
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fighting Piran... | 3 | 2 | 2 | 7 |
| Spiders | 2 | 0 | 2 | 4 |
With the move to B3, many Spiders expected a steep learning curve with the better level of play. After a surprisingly dominant performance against the Royals in the season opener the Spiders got their B3 lesson courtesy of a 7-4 loss to the Fighting Piranhas.
The Fighting Piranhas Blue controlled play early, shooting out to a 3-0 lead by the midpoint of the period. The Spiders fought back with Mike Townsend and Shawn Tromiczak scoring just over a minute apart to close to 3-2.
The second period was evenly played with the Piranhas taking advantage of Spider mistakes to score two goals to pull out to a 5-2 advantage.
The Spiders took control early in the third as the Piranhas short bench seemed to be tiring. Matt Adelmann and Shawn Tromiczak scored to close to the gap to 5-4. This only seemed to make the Piranhas angry as they got a second wind and controlled play for the rest of the game. Piranha superstar M. Vos netted his third and fourth goals of the game late, making the final score 7-4.
While a 45-37 deficit in shots and four goals scored indicate the Spiders weren’t dominated, the Spiders have plenty of work to do. The biggest difference between C1 and B3 is the need to make decisions a split second quicker. Numerous Piranha scoring chances were the result of turnovers after holding on the puck just a tick too long. The second big difference is that better passing will take advantage of poor defensive positioning. Too many times the Spiders were caught watching the puck rather than marking an opposing skater.
The Spiders will improve in these areas; the only question is how long it takes. It’s tough to draw too many conclusions after only two games but the Spiders don’t seem to be overwhelmed at the skill level or speed of play. But until the Spiders get up to speed mentally they will be susceptible to giving up 7 goals like they did Sunday evening.
The Spiders next face off against the Mutiny on Sunday, November 17th at 9:30pm at the State Fair Coliseum.
For details, see the box score and game summary.
