Belfast Giants host the Cardiff Devils in the eagerly anticipated and prolonged finale for the cup season, as they vie to repeat the fixture from 2022, where the hosts emerged victors amongst some, dubious comments from a former Devils coach.
Unlike what has been promoted by the league, this is the 2nd chance of silverware for the South Wales club, with the 2nd competition claim for the EIHL, after the Aladdin Cup win over Panthers by the travelling Devils.
Form aside, a challenge awaits…
As far as previous meetings go, Belfast hold all the cards with 5 wins from 5, all three at home, including one shutout, unlike what was incorrectly stated by the EIHL, but to confirm with correct information, Giants are 3 from 3 at home, with a single shutout.
Devils have claimed just one point in those league contests, an OTL at home, where, in the games before the DH, they largely controlled and should have come away with max points.
Road to the Final
As far as form goes, Belfast have dropped off entirely since their DH drubbing of the Devils, with the good guys wining 4 from 5 since that clash, which originally set them 13 points apart in the standings.
Ever since, Steelers and Panthers have clawed some of that back and Devils are within striking distance, along with the return of much needed forwards from injuries, they are starting to remind the league once again why they were the runaway favourites this campaign.
For the cup competition itself, Devils eliminated the current holders Steelers with ease, overturning a two goal deficit to book their place in the final.
Giants held off challengers, Panthers, as they were shutout in the 2nd leg, edging through on aggregate. Since then, their goal scoring has dried up, whilst the Devils have brought themselves back from the brink in classy fashion.
Quick History
The cup has experienced several iterations over the years, including since the EIHL-era began, it has switched from a two leg to a single feat.
Devils have won the cup on 3 occasions and will be looking to add to their 4th and 2nd title of their season, as Giants are looking to claim a 6th cup. Both teams have often been ‘bridesmaids’ of this competition, with Giants 4 times as runner up and Devils, 6.
Will Devils succeed and overcome a bogey team in their 10th Challenge Cup Final appearance?
Special Circumstances
The EIHL have confirmed the video situation review room will be activated for this, so someone at home will get free access to watch the game on a hotline when fans are expected to pay EIHL TV £18 to watch a basic stream.
Via Cardiff Devils website, further info is provided such as ‘An expanded list of Coach’s Challenge situations is also in play in the Final. In addition to goalie interference, coaches can also challenge for a possible offside, or a potential missed game stoppage’. You can find the link here; https://www.cardiffdevils.com/news/challenge-cup-final-tonight-belfast/
Ones to Watch
For the challengers, Zach O’Brien is coming in hot as one of the most in form points scorers in the league since the start of February. He has put up 15 points in all competitions played, including 5 assists in March so far, with 6 points in his last 5GP.
For the top seed and hosts, their top scorer (48), Scott Conway, current leader for all Brit skaters, has been the only consistent player of late, currently on a natural 5 game point streak with 7 points.
Of course, it will be a big battle between the pipes, as both Devils net minders have posted shutouts of late, however, Jackson Whistle out of the 3 combined is the stronger goalie so far this season, so being on home ice, it would be an epic battle and likely won because of those men between the iron posts.
Get Involved
If you are a listener of the EIHL Face-Off Podcast (not affiliated to the EIHL), the hosts gave their thoughts on the final and score predictions/winners, found here via X; https://x.com/EIHLFaceOff/status/1899592765127741817
Look forward to a ‘Power-Pod’ for the post game and even a watch party via Spaces on X
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