Spiders Hook Muskies

April 6, 2010

The Spiders entered into the luxury arena called Pleasant. This arena has been very friendly to the Spiders over the past two years. Being the third trip to the gradually upgraded rink, the Spiders had two wins that included a shutout against the Renegades earlier this season. More proverbial monkeys were looking to be unloaded from the team’s back. Rewind the clock to the first game of the playoffs last year where the Spiders laid an egg and lost their opening game 5-3. Tonight would be different! Tonight the Spiders were energized and swarming.

The game began with the Muskies putting on a near two minutes of pressure on the Spiders defense. When the puck was finally cleared from the opening pressure, the five Spider players had kept the Muskies from registering a single shot. This would set the tone for the remainder of the game. The first period would end with the Spiders out-shooting the Muskies 13-3 and a goal was notched by Maietta (15) to take over as the Spider scoring leader for the season. There were many other significant scoring opportunities that were thwarted with incredible saves by the Muskies’ goalie.

The Spiders came out with their traditional fervor in the second period and the intense pressure resulted in a goal from Armagost (10) via Tromiczak (10) and Bortnem (15). Following the second goal, it was evident that the Muskies were not going to roll over like an over-aged carp. They put on their most intense attack of the game since the opening of the first period and challenged the Spider defense and offensive back-checkers. Dow came up solid, steering aside all that was thrown at the the net. Schliesman (12) added the Spiders third goal from Maietta (15) and Thorson (15). It was growing apparent as the period wore on that the Muskies had given it their best shot.

Period three would provide more Spider dominance. Most Muskie scoring opportunities throughout were from the top of the face-off circle or farther and you could clearly see that the Muskies were emotionally wondering what would be served at the local post-game establishment. Armagost (11) added the insurance goal and was seen waiving at his mom in the crowd. Though there were still thirteen minutes remaining, Wizard of Oz-type monkeys were seen fleeing from the Pleasant arena.

When the final horn sounded, the Spiders had won their third game at the very Pleasant Arena.

Next up in the journey to the Championship game comes on Thursday against the Royals who lost their first game of the playoffs and will be desperately looking to keep their championship hopes alive.

Attendance: 11