5 Takeaways From The Challenge Cup Double Winner Weekend

CARDIFF, WALES – Cardiff Devils made back to back wins this weekend in Challenge Cup action to extend their lead and tighten their grip on their group, by putting up 11 goals and earning a shutout along the way.

This was the type of play as promised by Coach Russell during the summer and it never disappointed. The expectation now, is for it to always continue in all competitions against all teams.

Challenge Cup Group; 3 – 0 – 1, 6pts, 1st Place

1. Back to Back Wins

This was a must for the Devils to bounce back from a stuttering and frustrating double league loss the previous weekend, which certainly took away concerns for a repeat of the last couple seasons. The way it was done was sublime, comfortable, industrious and clinical.

The key difference of this team to previous seasons is the relentless fight to regain the puck and put their opposition under pressure. 118 shot attempts, 73 SOG, 11 goals, shot efficiency at 15.8%. Then there was the shutout on Friday night. Although it is the CC, these games count for momentum and it has certainly been elevated.

2. The Cult of Brandt

Following a well-written and keenly timed article about what Riley Brandt brings to the team and why it matters, just weeks on and it is almost outdated, just by the way the Canadian from Trail, British Columbia has been taking his chances, applying his game and setting the standards given to him within the ice time available.

He has scored 3 goals in his last 3GP, been a menace on the forecheck and defensively aware to help out his line mates. When the squad was full with no injuries, he was selected and even when a new player arrived, he still got his name on the game sheet. Absolutely well earned.

3. Multi-Point Games

The two games saw 11 goals hit the net, with some names starting to be spoken long after the final whistle goes. Cody Donaghey is currently on a point per game pace across both EIHL comps, with 4 points (1G, 3A) from the 5 zip shutout.

Trevor Cox has been getting into the groove, with 4 points this weekend (2G, 2A), leading the way on the top line.

Jamie Arniel for the second line took away 3 points (1G, 2A) and others had a brace of points with Brandt (2G) and Waller (2G) respectively.

4. Bowns On a Tear

With 58 saves from 61 shots, a shutout and a 1.50 GAA so far in the comp, off the back of a very decent performance in league action the weekend previously, Ben Bowns has been quietly setting a standard between the pipes, which must be frustrating the new goalie, Callum Booth who is looking to find a roster so he can also make his name.

So far, Booth has had a mixed bag of results with some dazzling, daring and utterly outrageous saves and quality goal tending, but not so favourable on the scoresheet, where he would definitely want some back. In all fairness, that happens to all goalies.

With Storm next up in a league double header, I would expect at least the responsibility of the starter spot being shared to keep Booth focussed and content, however, you couldn’t blame Coach Russell if he stands by his current starter.

5. Creativity

There were both PPG and SHG in these games, including unassisted breakaways and well worked team efforts. Blasts from the point and tips to the net. 118 chances at an incredible intensity, with 139 attempts last weekend, this team can generate offense.

12 high danger chances, with 91% in the shutout game, the majority of goals coming from the mid slot area, where it was visibly packed with SOG.

Slot to Mid Slot Chances vs Blaze

Slot to Mid-Slot Chances vs Flames

3 high-danger goals with 6 mid-danger goals, shows that the team can generate, create and execute their chances, with their home games against Blaze and Giants (20 mid danger chances) showing similar offensive capabilities, when they are on their game, they will punish teams.

Slot to Mid-Slot Chances vs Giants

This has been delivered from each line in all situations, whether even strength, killing a penalty or having that man advantage. Waller, Duggan, Brandt, Busch, Alderson and Donaghey, all putting the puck in the basket, asking questions of the established top liners.

Next up, Manchester Storm.