Spiders fall to Spitfires in battle of B3 frontrunners

Jan. 11, 2018

A late Spitfires goal sunk the Spiders in a battle for B3 East supremacy.

The Spitfires controlled play through much of the first period. The Spiders staying sound defensively to limit good chances with Dow making 13 saves through the scoreless opening stanza.

Cody Buckalew opened the scoring early in the second with the Spiders shorthanded. With the Spiders shorthanded Jay Hilden forced a turnover and threw the puck at the net. Buckalew was in the right place at the right time to knock home the rebound.

The Spitfires responded quickly but Jason Yancey regained the lead by beating the Spitfire netminder five-hole. Again the Spitfires responded to knot the score at 2-2.

The Spiders had a chance to take the lead again after the Spitfires were called for delay of game when a skater covered the puck in the crease. Jason Yancey took the penalty shot but was denied as the goalie anticipated the deke to the backhand and got the pad down.

The Spitifires took a 3-2 lead early in the third. Jay Hilden answered as he beat the goalie high on the glove side to tie 3-3. But before the Spiders faithful could re-take their seats the Spitfires scored again.

A late Spiders power play and extra attacker came to naught and the Spiders fell 4-3.

The loss moves the Spiders to a tie for 3rd in an ultra-competitive B3 East.