Post-Game Review; 10 Observations

EIHL vs Belfast Giants

CARDIFF, WALES – Hard working Devils fall at home against Belfast Giants in a tense game at the Vindico Arena, that left a sour taste for Devils fans, plucky relief for the travelling team and their fans.

Here are 10 key points from the game

1. Lots of production, minimal reward for the home team, as they launched a dazzling 83 shots at the Giants goal, with 43 SOG. Despite the scoreline, Giants played much of the game in their own zone, being under pressure all night.

2. Beskorowarny made 41 stops with a 95.35 SV% to deny the onslaught from Cardiff and earn Belfast a win, almost stealing it from the home side. He looked tall and indomitable between the pipes, making huge saves and stacking the bricks shot after shot.

3. The Devils added another PPG, although they drew 5 power plays, making it 20% effective, they still found success, which is encouraging to see.

4. Middle deck and depth continue to produce, Barrow helped set up the first goal on the power play, Brandt linked up top liners to snipe home a 2nd. The apples also got stacked from the top line.

5. Crawford has 3 points in his last 3 games and Barrow has a 3 game point streak, Ully and Cox also have a point per game pace going. Despite some disappointing outcomes results wise, the foundations are being set for a promising campaign.

6. Top and 4th line made similar offensive contributions, with most SOG from Brandt and Donaghey (5 each). It seems the shot production has been spread across each line, instead of dependence on the top line. When the team start netting goals for fun, they will be devastating.

7. Devils controlled the dots and created the better chances, with 4 high danger chances to Belfasts lone attempt. The xG count would have had the game end 3:1 in favour the good guys, which shows you need to take your chances. Belfast did that, despite the pressure cooker they faced.

8. Another night, another boarding call from a hit that caused injury on the play. Having a near birds-eye view, it looked as bad as it did, however, maybe some influence from home fans got Printz ejected, it was a bad hit and very similar to Ryan Barrows from Tansey. Hopefully Chad Pietroniro will be okay and not suffer a lasting injury.

9. Sanford not quite lighting it up, 4th league game in a row and no points might be a cause of concern, so with Challenge Cup action next, maybe he can get back on the board and extend his points there, as he has 3 from the previous two CC games.

10. With the team playing next in the CC, new signing Brandon Alderson will be expected to play. The question is, with Evan Mosey still out, who sits? Brandt has made his claim, if Pietroniro is fit after that hit earlier tonight, he will likely fill in Moseys role. Barrow isn’t a 4th liner, so likely Duggan to sit, would be my guess.

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