Spiders outlast Wolf Pack for second win of season

Dec. 29, 2007

Despite playing in their second game of the evening, tonight’s matchup against the Wolf Pack could have been called “The Bruce Lee Show.” No, not the martial arts legend, but the tandem of left wing Bruce Gustafson and center Lee Martini. The pair would combine for five total points, with Gustafson recording his second career hat trick.

The Spiders brought fears of a helplessly short bench into the game, but thankfully wound up having one more skater than the Wolf Pack. Even so, the pace of the game was slow, with both teams mindful of the lack of reserves.

The Spiders took an early lead with a goal less than five minutes into the game by Gustafson, assisted by defenseman Ryan Herman. The Wolf Pack soon answered, tying the game at one each. Only two seconds later, though, Martini turned a breakaway into the team’s second goal to regain the lead. Gustafson’s second of the night came late in the first period, assisted by Martini, and pushing the Spiders to a 3–1 lead.

The tides would turn in the second period, with the Wolf Pack scoring two goals in less than a 60-second span. The Spiders answered in the final minute of the period with Gustafson’s third of the night, assisted by winger Ted Samsel. The team’s post-goal celebration was marred by some after-the-fact “discussions,” leading to center Aaron Bedessem receiving one-half of coincidental minor penalties for roughing. Martini rose to the occasion, playing the more than three minutes the team lacked a second center. The Wolf Pack wasn’t about to retreat with its proverbial tail between its legs, and they tied the game at four each with just five seconds left in the second period.

Cooler heads prevailed in the third period, which was a largely defense-oriented 17 minutes. Defenseman Herman notched his second point of the evening with an unassisted goal halfway through the third period, and that would be the last time the puck would find its way into either net, and the Spiders would escape with a 5–4 win, its second of the season and its second against the Wolf Pack.

Spider netminder Mike Derer was stellar, as the Spiders were soundly outshot by a margin of 41–15. Defenseman Paul LaCosse showed an uncanny knack for being in the right place at the right time, and he broke up countless Wolf Pack rushes.

The Spiders next play a matinee game against the Renegades on Sunday, January 6 at the Coliseum.