Spiders ground Jets 3–1

Feb. 25, 2007

The packed crowd (of 1) that made it through the snow tonight to the State Fair Coliseum saw the Spiders come out on top of the Jets 3–1.

The Spiders put on a back-checking clinic tonight, holding the Jets to just 12 shots — yes, 12 — for the game. And the offense, Jim Maietta in particular, made sure the Spiders would have the edge, putting up the game winner in the second period, from Doug Thorson and Bobby Jensen. The insurance goal came from Maietta, with assist from Thorson, in the third.

Facing the Jets for the second time this season, again with Chris Trinh in net (and the Warriors’/Enken Bears’ Mike Anlauf backing him up... just in case), meant the Spiders were going to have to be at the top of their game tonight. The previous meeting saw the Spiders come out ahead 6–4, but they had to battle back from a first period deficit in that one, in which the lead changed three times. The same pattern started out tonight, with the Jets getting the first marker at just 1:18 into the game.

Following a early second-period penalty kill courtesy of defenseman Jeremy Litton, who got called for getting pinned to the boards by the Jets, the Spiders would find the back of the net at 7:40 remaining in the first, with Dave Schliesman scoring, assists from Lee Martini and Brad Caron. With the game tied, the Spiders would have two Power Plays in the remainder of the second period, though they were not able to capitalize on the man advantage.

Into the third, Jim Maietta would team up with Doug Thorson again, sealing the deal with the third and final goal of the game, at 12:44.

The Jets last chance came with 3:28 remaining in the third, when back-at-defense-again Mike Montgomery got called for letting someone skate over his stick (tripping). But the Spiders would pressure heavily in the PK, ensuring the 3–1 lead would stick to the end.

Scoring summary:

• First period:
  • Dave Schliesman, from Lee Martini and Brad Caron
• Second period:
  • Jim Maietta, from Doug Thorson and Bob Jensen
• Third period:
  • Jim Maietta (again), from Doug Thorson

Penalties summary:

• Second period:
  • Jeremy Litton, for holding
  • Jeremy Litton (again), for hooking (offsetting)
• Third period:
  • Mike Montgomery, for tripping

Of course, they really were innocent.

Jeff Keacher’s netminding saw 12 shots (6, 2, 4) for the win. The Spiders’ shots on goal were 27 (8, 8, 11).

Next up, the Spiders face the tough Fighting Piranhas next Saturday, as both teams vie for playoff spots.