Spiders beaten by Piranhas

Feb. 10, 2008

It was another penalty (and score) fest by the Piranhas, ending in 8–1 loss.

Maybe it was nostalgia for the two teams’ first meeting, maybe it was the video crew (scouts?) present at Richfield tonight, or maybe it was the almost-capacity crowd in the Richfield East bleachers, but the Fighting Piranhas apparently are either getting ready for their playoff run, or are looking for opportunities in the Federal League.

Though signs were pointing to the game becoming a chipfest as the second period wore into the third, including more than a couple non-calls, the Piranhas, already commanding the 8–1 lead that was to be the final, closed out the game with an elbow, slash and check demonstration enough to make John Stevens blush, racking up four minors in the final two and a half minutes of the match.

Spiders’ PIM: 8 (with three of the calls going to Ryan Herman); Piranhas’ PIM: 12, with four calls in the final two and a half minutes of the match.

But enough about that. There were a couple highlights on the Spiders’ end of the scoresheet:

First, the return of star defenseman Brian Armogost, returning from a seven-game hiatus due to broken collarbone, and showing he hasn’t lost the touch, though coming out a little worse for wear.

Second, a Power Play goal in the second period by center Aaron Bedessem (5th of the season), on assist from left wing John Peterson.

Goalkeeper Mike Derer saw 34 shots on the night, stopping 26. And the Spiders put 15 on the Piranhas net, though only 3 in the third period.

Piranhas solidify their second-place stature in D1 East, with a 11–2–1 record. Spiders solidify their last-place stature, falling to 2–12.

Next up for the Spiders, Feb. 17 against the Wolf Pack, whose previous meetings represent both Spiders’ victories this season.