Spiders get chomped by Gators

Nov. 3, 2014

The Spiders jumped out a 2-0 lead through the first period but couldn't hang on in the season opener.

While the Gators won only four games last season but two of those came against the Spiders. With the turnover of the rosters on both teams, it was a good test to see where both teams were at early in the season.

The Gators controlled play through the beginning of the first period with Brian Dow making a couple big saves. Cody Buckalew got the Spiders on the board first as he chipped in a loose puck in the crease in what was the Spiders first scoring chance of the game. As the clock wound down in the period, Derk Jacobson and new signing Ryan Wilson hooked up for a pretty goal. Jacobson picked up a loose puck in the neutral zone, skated down the left wing and send a crossing pass that found Wilson streaking to the far post, who cleanly beat the goalie high to the glove side.

The second period brought more Gator pressure. The Gators finally broke through with two goals in only 17 seconds to knot the game at 2-2. One more late goal had the Gators leading 3-2 at the end of the second.

Spider goalie Brian Dow, back with the squad after a hip replacement in March, kept the Spiders within reach with several top notch saves including a glove save on a partial breakaway. Unfortunately Gator goalie A. Murray was matching him save for save. A late power play with Dow pulled was squandered by an ugly turnover and an empty net goal for the Gators to make the final 4-2.

It certainly looked like the first game of the season. Legs were tired. Defensive assignments were missed. Passes went into skates (at best). Not the best way to start a season but it will come together.

The Spiders next take the ice on Sunday, November 9th at 9:15pm at Richfield 2.