Midweek Look: Devils at Flames

Additions-Subtractions

Challenge Cup Record 23/24; 3 – 0 – 1 (WLWW)

There have been plenty of movements around the league of late, with early cuts and departures, the flames recently released Kobe Walker, not to mention Anthony Petruzzelli.

The latter didn’t ice at all after carrying an injury that continued to rule him out, so it was best he rehab back home and compete for a new contract for the next season, which is fair enough.

Petruzzelli signed with ECHL team, Jacksonville Icemen, after recording a point in 4GP for a very poor Flames team so far this season.

Devils agreed to part ways with Callum Booth, who got to ice during preseason and some CC games at the start of the campaign, but has yet to ice since the defeat to Blaze in the opening weekend.

It is likely he didn’t quite gel with the squad and the new coaches expectations, so better now to make a change than later.

Form, Class and Momentum

Luckily, Bowns has been in great form, as has his team, who are looking to extend their winning ways to 5 from 5 in all EIHL competitions this evening.

So far, Devils have been pretty solid in the CC, leading the group by 2 points with a game spare, winning 3 from 4. Devils also have the 2nd best GA record across all 10 teams, behind Steelers.

In comparison to last season, by this fixture, they would have been 0 from 4, knowing they could qualify due to the severe lack of imagination for the competition, it still heaped on pressure early in the campaign, eventually being dumped out in the next round.

A road win for them would equal last seasons group haul of 8 points, so no doubt this time around, more attention and respect would be shown to the competition. The next step should be achievable, although, it is Guildford Flames.

They have had their worst start to an EIHL campaign, yet their last game helped to snap a losing streak, so it should be a good game to watch. They love to beat the Devils and going by recent meets, the intensity provides.

This weeks games are crucial for the momentum of the season, max points will demonstrate a serious team, a non-plus performance will create doubt and frustration again, affecting the momentum of the last couple of weekends.

Ones to Watch

In cup action, Trevor Cox leads his team with 7 points, followed by Donaghey (5) and Sanford (4). The latter has been struggling to get anything going, so will tonight be a breakout for him?

Alderson has also been a player on fire since arriving, 3G, 1A in all competitions (4GP) thus far, can he extend his streak?

Tyler Busch has also impressed, rewarding a top line selection the last game with a goal, capping a stellar weekend. He is expected to return to the 3rd line, however I would expect goals from there as all players have been cooking.

Expected Line Up vs Flames

Trevor Cox – Joey Martin – Cole Sanford

Cole Ully – Jamie Arniel – Ryan Barrow

Joshua Waller – Tyler Busch – Brandon Alderson

Sam Duggan – Ben Davies – Riley Brandt

Mark Richardson – Marcus Crawford

River Rymsha – Cody Donaghey

Josh Batch – Crandall

Ben Bowns

Ben Norton