Post-Game Review; 10 Observations

Challenge Cup Game 3 vs Coventry Blaze

CARDIFF, WALES – The Devils completely dominated their visitors in CC action at the Vindico Arena on Friday night, earning a shutout, a debut goal and 5 goals, including two on the PP to take the W in a ruthless display on home ice.

Here are 10 key observations from the game;

1. Tempo is key and it generates momentum, which started early for the home team and continued the full 60. As stated in the build up article https://hockeysteve.co.uk/2023/10/11/a-look-ahead-to-friday-vs-blaze/ – intensity and execution would be the focus and it showed. 74 shots, 43 SOG, 5 in net, 2PPG and an improved shot efficiency % (11.63) helped to dominate their opponents.

2. Puck possession and zonal pressure has been a key indicator of improvement under Coach Russell and as stated, once it clicks, the horses will bolt. The vast majority of this game was hemmed in the Blaze zones and less turnovers and giveaways in the NZ helped to establish and maintain that 60 minute performance.

3. Face offs have been a steadily improvement and each frame saw daylight between the centre men on the dots. Martin lead his team with 10 FOW whilst Arniel had 9. The top 6 leading the way, Busch wasn’t far off with 7 FOW. The overall was 29:18 in favour of the good guys.

4. Physicality is another hallmark to the game brought in by Coach Russell, which has seen some exciting tilts already. For once, no gloves where dropped, instead the flare of checking and hitting was put on show by the D men, Centre men and especially the new guy, Brandon Alderson. Blaze had no answer, which helped sway the game.

5. Debuts don’t often start this good, but when you score on your first shot, that being a one timer on the PP, it really sets a tone for what to expect. As addressed in the build up article, Alderson slotted in on the 3rd line and didn’t waste time to get going.

His marker was one for the highlight reel, his overall play had fans mesmerised, with his style of play, skating and stick handling, gave glimpses of what was desperately needed. The top 6 should be worried.

Highlights https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vSg7wGVlZU

6. Speaking of power plays, the Devils started then end their night with PPG, each assisted by Arniel and Donaghey, combining for 6 points on the night. That makes 5 straight games in all competitions that the team have notched PPG’s.

7. As mentioned, Donaghey had a monster night for points, putting up 1G and 3A, making it another multi point night. He is on a heater right now and would have been a sure fit for MOTM if not for his goalie that evening. Between both league and CC he is now on a point per game pace.

8. Ben Bowns logged his first and the teams shut out of the season in a big bounce back game, as the previous weekend there would have been instances he would like to have had some goals back.

A superb effort, denying the limited high danger chances, stopping all 29 SOG. Better rebound control helped defenders gather loose pucks from the corners and it never looked like he was going to be beaten. Deserved match night MOTM.

9. The depth forwards continue to cook with fierce intensity but none more so than. Possibly his finest performance yet, earning an unassisted breakaway goal after blocking the puck in the NZ and besting former team mate, Taran Kozun 1 on 1.

Rileys efforts helped to maintain puck possession, dance and dangle between the Blaze D men and find neat passes to keep the puck moving and pressure against the other team.

Check out the well-written article on the Enigma that is Riley Brandt here; https://hockeysteve.co.uk/2023/09/12/the-riley-brandt-hypothesis/

10. Cole Sanford has hit a cold streak in goal scoring from the league games, but finally notched a point, snapping a 4 game stretch of pointless games, claiming a secondary assist on a Trevor Cox goal.

His last was against Blaze last time in CC, also on a Cox goal. At least his CC streak is maintained, 4 points in 3GP (2G, 2A). Hopefully he can find the net in the next game vs Flames and continue to build on.