Gators swallow Spiders

March 14, 2014

The Spiders entered Saturday night versus the Gators in a must win situation. The playoff picture was bleak as the games to be played were dwindling. With four games to be played and the home team needing to overcome a 5 point deficit, it was clear that every game counted and help was needed if the Spiders were to catch the Leftovers.

Those who follow the Spiders consistently know the second period is often a critical period to put the game into a victory column. The first period against the Gators was tilted in the positive but when it ended, shots were nearly equal and the score remained tied at zero.

During the second period, the Gators broke the ice with the first goal coming off of a screen shot that left sub goalie Jim Lewandowski stymied. Mark Bortnem and Jim Maietta answered with goals, temporarily putting the Spiders up 2-1. Throughout the period, there were many opportunities to open up the game and put it out of reach, however, they slipped off of sticks, slid wide of the net, or the opposing team got something in the way at the last minute. Two goals by the Gators in the second half of the second put the Gators up 3-2.

It seemed throughout the third period that the comeback was ready to be taken. Again opportunity after opportunity just slipped through the fingers and with 1:46 remaining a breakaway goal put the game out of reach.

In the end, the Spiders out-shot the Gators by 14 shots, but couldn’t find a way to penetrate the goal more than twice. To add insult to injury, the Leftovers took care of business. So in one night, the post season hopes of the newly gelling team drifted away into the night.

With three games left and the playoff picture set in the B3 West, the games will be played for pride and the enjoyment of the game.

It should be noted, Dow fell to 0-2 lifetime as a coach and his job is on the line.

Attendance: 7