5 Takeaways vs Storm

For the 4th time in as many weeks these teams have met, the Devils took the game in the dying seconds of OT to secure max points in what was a tightly fought battle, amidst a slew of bizarre and missed calls, that could have lost the game for the match night officials.

League Record; 6 – 0 – 3, 3rd Place

Here are my 5 key moments from the game;

1. Goal Sanford Returns

Prior to this game, Cole Sanford had a long run of pointless games, 8 in the league, whilst he was a point a game in Challenge Cup. Noted for being ‘Cold Sanford’ it was a joy to see him blast home the game opener and even add another in what was a much needed game for his confidence.

Lines in the last couple games have seen a total mix up, nodding to the decision to see if new line mates can create more chances and find those gaps that need to be plugged in what is pretty well set up roster.

This has paid in dividends so far, with Sanford now getting his first league goals, points and multi-point game, right on the eve of a decisive clash in Belfast, then Conti Cup business.

2. Adaptability

When Evan Mosey returned, the game was something that simply had to take place, the outcome wasn’t the afterthought, it was the memory of a fallen hockey player. The following games have seen a switch to place him on the top forward line, which has been paid in full.

That has been back to back multi-point games, totalling 1G, 3A, but it didn’t stop there. Midway through the game, Coach Russell made a seamless switch for Mosey and Crandall, the latter has been playing 3rd line D with Batch in Mosey’s absence.

Crandall got the teams 2nd marker in the game, to tie it, effectively reminding his team and others, he is still a presence and danger as a forward.

3. Perseverance

The game itself was gritty, choppy and at times, neither side could contain consistent play. This was also stunted by some often puzzling decisions from the whistle men, which almost brought the battling teams into full confrontation toward the end of the second frame.

This, thankfully was the end of the rough stuff as both teams knuckled down to get the game under control and take the win, which saw the tilt go in the favour of the home team, who came back twice to tie it, send to OT and then net the winner.

Big character win, against a determine, often under valued Storm team, that has earned its stripes so far. Belfast beckons for a big season clash on the eve of the Conti trip – win those, you can win anything.

4. Point Streaks

Alderson bagged a primary assist on the GWG, which helped extend his points streak to 8 games in all competitions played and 12 overall. He wasn’t alone, as it looks like Mosey, Crawford, Arniel and Cox have all been laying consistent markers down, each having multi-point nights.

The points spread, backed up by Sanford getting his league tallies off the mark is an extremely encouraging sign for the weeks ahead, where the entire season really gets churning.

5. Special Teams

Both the power play and penalty kill returned full marks on the night, with 2 PPG’s and 4 penalties being killed, an irony of winning in OT on the PP, considering a dearth of questionable calls, was a relief with an added spice to soften a mood that had built with tension as the evening progressed.

Regardless of the calls and how they would be seen, the officials played their part professionally and with conviction. Instead of allowing the game to break down, the players cracked on and the hostilities were ultimately dealt with swiftly by the officials, even if some fans would voice fully disagree – the game carried on, a close game, a gritty game but a fun one.

The power play has now increased to a favourable 23.33%, whereas the PK has improved to 86.96% over recent weeks, the latter is so far the leagues best.

Next up, Belfast Giants.