Spiders fall to Fighting Saints in déja vu rematch

Jan. 15, 2013

For a recap of tonight’s game, just read the Dec. 1 gamer — it’s identical.

Then: Spiders lose by one due to late third period goal.

Now: Spiders lose by one due to late third period goal.

Then: Spiders outshoot Fighting Saints by wide margin (28 to 19).

Now: Spiders outshoot Fighting Saints by wide margin (33 to 17).

Then: Goaltending duel keeps game close.

Now: Goaltending duel keeps game close.

Then: Refs seem to forget it’s a non-checking league and game gets chippier than a plate of happy hour nachos at the Champps Richfield up the street.

Now: Refs seem to forget it’s a non-checking league and game gets chippier than a plate of happy hour nachos at the Champps Richfield up the street.

Then: Spiders pull netminder McCormick at end of game, generate first-class chances, but can’t find the twine.

Now: Spiders pull netminder McCormick at end of game, generate first-class chances, but can’t find the twine.

Then: Spiders lose.

Now: Spiders lose.

The key difference. In December, the 3–2 Spiders were still sitting in the top 4, ready for the playoffs on paper. In January, having gone 1–5 in the last six games, the Spiders are sinking like ice houses on Medicine Lake will be come AHA playoff week. Though most other teams have a game in hand, the Spiders now sit in sixth place, a 5–7 record, 10 points, fortunately just a point out of fourth, held by the Sled Dogs.

Next up, the Spiders are apparently on an All-Star Break, as the team will step aside to allow the un-locked-out NHL to bask in the media glory instead. When the Spiders return to the ice in 11 days, it’ll be against the 1–9–1 Diablos (3 pts, 7th place). Previous matchup had the Spiders winning 2–1.