It was a Dog fight at the Garden...

Jan. 4, 2009

...A Sled Dog fight! In what was their most ferocious opponent of the season, the Spiders battled the Sled Dogs in this epic match-up.

At times the Sled Dogs out-hustled the Spiders. At times they outplayed the Spiders. In the end, they out-shot them. When the third period buzzer sound and all the ammo was expired, the scoreboard read: Spiders - 3, Sled Dogs - 3. We are headed for OVERTIME!

It was certainly a grueling contest, undoubtedly the biggest challenge the Spiders have faced in well over a month. Jim Maietta opened the scoring by slamming home a rebound off a blast from Butalla. The Dogs would answer late in the period and after the first frame it was deadlocked at 1. Shots in the 1st period were: Spiders - 9, Sled Dogs - 10.

In the second stanza, the Sled Dogs controlled play as they were winning most of the puck battles. The Spiders looked weary and run down. Was it the big sheet of ice? Were their emotions spent from watching a dismal Vikings performance earlier in the day? Whatever the reason, the Sled Dogs dominated play and out-shot the Spiders in the second by a 14 - 4 margin. Outstanding play from the Spider net-minder kept them in the contest. Even though they only managed four shots, the Spiders had the only goal of the period. Heavy fore-checking by #66 freed the puck as he was able to get it to Thorson who fed Butalla for a one-timer in the top shelf. At the end of 2: Spiders 2, Sled Dogs 1.

The Spiders found their legs as the final period featured good old-fashioned up-and-down hockey mixed with a couple elbows, some slashing and a few curse words thrown in for good measure. It was the Dogs who drew first blood as the tied the game at the half-way point. Three minutes later, Tim Forcelle put the Spiders back on top off nice passes from Chris Stalpes and Bruce Gustafson. It looked like the Spiders were going to hold on for victory #8 when with just 2 minutes left, Brad Butalla tried to put one of the Dogs through the boards and into the stands. He was sent to the box to feel shame. The shame only lasted 30 seconds before the Dogs would tie the game one final time.

The 5-minute sudden-death overtime was up and down as both squads had some legitimate chances. As the clock was winding down, with the Spiders on the power play, Chris Stalpes pounded home the game winner (assisted by Delsing and Tim Stalpes). The streak continues, the streak continues! Oh my God, the streak continues.

Spider Penalties:

• T. Stalpes – 2 minutes: Tripping (allegedly)
• J. Maietta – 2 minutes: Interference (bogus call)
• B. Butalla – 2 minutes and a little satisfaction: Checking (retaliation I'm sure)

Other Fun facts: For the first time this season we almost had a John Trentor sighting...Sike! John has had as much work this season as the Maytag repair-man! We hope to see Maytag Trentor at the next game (or at least once this season).

Miller Lite Stars of the Game:

#3 – Tim Forcelle

– 1st Goal of the Season

#2 – Brian Dow

– 30 saves, He kept the Spiders in contention

and your Miller Lite Star of the game:

Chris Stalpes – 1G, 1A, GWG