Spiders edge Fighting Piranhas 8–6

Dec. 2, 2006

In what’s seem to become a habit lately, the Spiders spotted the opposing team two goals in the first, yet climbed their way back, holding on to win 8–6. It was a breakout night for the blueliners, capped by defenseman Brian Armagost’s hat trick!

The Fighting Piranhas started out strong, getting two quick goals in the first period. Just as with last week, where the Spiders were immediately down by two goals, the team fought back, closing the gap at 3:12, with a snipe from defenseman Brian Armagost. And with 46 seconds left in the first, defenseman Brad Caron put on in from the high slot, getting his first goal this season, putting the Spiders ahead 3–2.

In the second, also scoring his first goal this season, newly minted right winger Mike Montgomery crashed the net and got one in, at 14:32, giving the Spiders a two-goal lead. However, as the second period continued, the Spiders penalty-box woes would begin again, giving the Fighting Piranhas chances to get back in it. And, at 10:42, they they moved within one goal on a Power Play marker.

Three more goals in the second would put the Spiders up a comfortable 7–4. But with 3 minutes left in the second, the Fighting Piranhas fought back again, getting two goals in 27 seconds. With the score 7–6 to start the third period, it was anyone’s game. And three consecutive penalties, including a 5-on-3, could’ve spelled disaster for the Spiders’ lead. But the well-oiled penalty-kill unit did its job, and kept the Piranhas out of the net.

To top of the Spiders’ scoring, Brian Armagost earned a hat trick with a coast-to-coast display at 14:18. The Fighting Piranhas would get one more at 6:28. And got their final chance with a Power Play with 2:22 to go in the third. They pulled their goalie with about a minute to go, but in the end couldn’t get past the Spiders Wall Jeff Keacher.

In the end, the Spiders came out on top, 8–6.

Scoring tonight for the Spiders:

• In the first:
  • Lee Martini, from Dave Schliesman
  • Brian Armagost, from Ben Tesch and Mike Armel
  • Brad Caron, unassisted
• In the second:
  • Mike Montgomery, from Dave Schliesman
  • Brian Armagost, unassisted
  • Lee Martini, from Dave Schliesman and Carlos Eberhardt
  • Doug Thorson, from Bob Jensens and Bruce Gustafson
• In the third:
  • Brian Armagost, unassisted, for the Hat Trick

And, in the cooler tonight:

• In the second period:
  • Brad Caron, for interference
  • Mike Armel, for high-sticking
• In the third period:
  • Dave Schliesman, for interference
  • Paul LaCosse, for cross-checking
  • Paul LaCosse (again), for hooking
  • Mike Armel (again), for having his stick on the ice tripping

Innocent, all of them.

Goalkeeper Jeff Keacher raised his stats tonight, seeing 42 shots tonight (14, 14, 14), stopping 36 of them. And no in-game injuries this week, just a major laceration before the game, requiring immediate first aid.