Challenge Cup Game 1 vs Guilford Flames

CARDIFF, WALES – The Cardiff Devils took the opening 23/24 season game with a 4-2 win in Challenge Cup action, against the Guildford Flames through a back and forth battle in a stellar comeback fashion.

Here are the 10 key moments from the match;

1. Sanford starts as he left last season with a brace of goals. Netting the first, then tied the game, he demonstrated his prowess around net to the delight of team mates and fans alike.

2. Pietroniro had a strong game, which may further inflame debate between him and Riley Brandt. He gave a gutsy performance and when the mitts were dropped, he bombarded his opponent into submission.

3. This wasn’t the only staple of the scrappiness of the game. From plenty of hits being delivered, to afters from dead play, both teams played with an aggression that has set a tone for the season. This will be a rivalry that will carry through the entire campaign.

4. River Rymsha has started to make a name for himself in this category, definitely cementing himself as one of the best hitters in the league, the exclamation point on a very solid performance being the thunderous hip check against Tait.

5. Sloppy passing for the majority of the game created a plethora of turnovers, giveaways and chances for the visitors, giving up hard fought possession and creating frustration across the bench. This fed some of the hostility that built in the game, however it is something Coach Russell would be keen to stamp out going forward.

Photo Credit; cardiffdevils.com

6. Chippy play got the better of Crawford early on, who got dealt a roughing penalty after the first Flames goal, which lead to their second on the power play. His night was rounded off after he got reverse checked open ice in his own zone, however, he came away with two apples for his troubles.

7. Jamie Arniel and his line kept the shot counter ticking, a big performance from them had the visitors busy all night. Despite taking a knock, they helped set up one of the better goals of the game. From a trademark Crawford stretch pass, that found Cole Ully, then fed a sweet dish to Justin Crandall who duped Burman side to side before tapping home.

8. Shot generation is still a positive, despite the game going back and forth and lots of neutral zone break ups and turnovers. Their relentless effort to chase down pucks and keep the pressure on net paid off, 66:50 shots made with 34:31 SOG in favour of the good guys.

9. There was a cloud hanging over the game, one that has lingered for a few seasons, the Devils power play. This is one of frustration, as at times it was notable the groans and displeasure from the fans, as more passes slowed momentum in the offensive zone, something all are keen to see an improvement.

10. Callum Booth may want that first goal back, as the PPG against them just after would have been difficult for most goalies to stop, from that point onward, every skater and spectator witnessed the quality he can bring. His glove is a thing of beauty, eagle-eyed tracking and intelligent with is rebounds and being able to cover and protect his posts, he should be making a case for one of the top end goalies this season.

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