Wheezing Spiders keep it close against Stars, lose 3–1
March 11, 2008
Highlights:
Spiders at Stars
Tuesday, March 11, 2008,
9:40 p.m. – Highland North
Game 19
- Spiders final score:
- 1
- Stars final score:
- 3
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spiders | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Stars | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
It was a close one tonight at Highland, despite the ridiculously short Spiders’ bench. The Spiders were in the game until the very end, giving up an empty netter at 0:13 to seal the loss.
With only nine skaters dressed, against the Stars’ 14, the Spiders knew it would be a long night. To the surprise of the raucous Spiders-only crowd (the walking wounded of the Spiders’ DL), the game was actually close throughout. The stellar play of sub goalkeeper Eric Kellenberger was the backbone of the team, turning away shots and keeping the Spiders in it. Though at times the Spiders appeared to be standing still ... well, they were ... they backchecked against the Stars’ strong puck control, keeping them off the scoreboard through most of the first. It wasn’t until 11:59 into the first that the Stars got on the board. The Spiders then had a close one denied later in the first, keeping the score at 1–0 heading into the middle frame.
The first penalty of the game came courtesy of a Stars’ hook, just 19 seconds into the period. The Spiders set up shop, maintaining control of the puck, with a stellar press by sub Carlos Eberhardt. Finally, encircling the Stars’ net, the forward line banged away, and finally found twine, courtesy of Mike “72 Games” Montgomery, assisted by Bruce Gustafson and Bob “Captain Bob” Jensen.
| Player | Excuse |
|---|---|
| Aaron Bedessem | Out for season |
| Brian “China Doll” Armagost | Just had surgery |
| Brad Caron | Still recovering |
| David Schaefer | Serving one-game suspension |
| Mike Derer | One-season suspension |
The remainder of the second, the Spiders were getting gassed, and it showed. But the score remained tied. A few Spiders’ penalties to end the second and start the third tested the weary PK unit, but they came through. However, 6:19 into the third, the Stars yet again knocked one home, gaining a one-goal margin. Despite numerous breakaways courtesy John McGrane and Mike Johnson, the Spiders were stonewalled by the solid netminding of the Stars’ Jay Weiner.
A late tripping call on one-third of the defensive unit, Mike Armel, put the Spiders back on the PK with just 3 minutes remaining. But yet again, the special teams stepped up to the plate and successfully killed it off.
Still 2–1, the Stars got the gate for hooking with just 40 seconds remaining. Having already put away one Power Play marker, the weary Spiders would give it one more go, pulling the goalkeeper for the extra attacker, giving the Spiders a 6–4 advantage on the ice. The Spiders set up for a face off deep in the Stars' zone. Miraculously, Mike Johnson won the draw, got it back to a waiting sixth-man Carlos Eberhardt, who put a shot right on net, unfortunately gloved by Weiner. Another faceoff. Another win. Another time back to Carlos, who sends it down to John McGrane. After a couple of chances, the Stars gain control and send the puck toward the far blue line. Covering, if you can call it as such, that side, defenseman Jeremy “No Legs” Litton lost the foot race to the puck, giving the Stars a far blue line shot on net, which just barely found the corner. On the shorthanded empty-netter, the Stars sealed their victory, with just 13 seconds left on the game clock.
Again, the Spiders were in it due to the outstanding goalkeeping of Eric Kellenberger. Thanks to him as well as subs Bruce Gustafson and Carlos Eberhardt for bailing out the Spiders tonight.
The Stars improve to 5–11–2–1, but like the Spiders, at 3–16, are out of the playoff hunt.
Next up, the Spiders’ last game of the 2007–08 season, this Saturday vs. the first-place Royals.
For details, see the box score and game summary.
Game media
Game photos, courtesy new team photographer Aaron Bedessem!
The Spiders hold off the Stars in their defensive zone. Jeremy Litton (14) poke checks while Mike Johnson (42), John McGrane (15) and Mike Armel (3) support.
Notice any difference between the two teams’ benches? John McGrane (15), Mike Montgomery (96) and Carlos Eberhardt (11) await the draw from center Bruce Gustafson (10).
The defensive squad demonstrating what it did best all night: stand around. Mike Armel (3), left and Jeremy Litton (14).
Right wing Mark Franklin (7) holds off the Stars.
Carlos Eberhardt (11) gets the drawback from Mike Johnson and shoots on net with 38 seconds remaining, in what would be the Spiders’ only good scoring chance at the end of the game.
