Post-Game Review; 10 Observations vs Flames

Challenge Cup Game 8 vs Guildford Flames

Group Stage Record; 6 – 0 – 2, 12pts, 1st Place, 3rd Seed Overall

CARDIFF, WALES – An extremely fatigued Devils team were utterly bombarded by their visitors in the opening frame that proved an obstacle too much to overcome, in a dead rubber game that had more for pride than any meaning from the travelling Flames team.

1. Here are my 10 key observations from the game;Lack of energy fed the flames to get them on the board early and really stoke the fire for the game itself. There was a hell fire in the first, where Flames roared ahead 4 zip.

2. One to forget for both goalies, with Wall being benched after the third went in, however the ever reliable Ben Bowns couldn’t deny a delicious deflect late in the first period. Both let in 3 each, with Burman letting in 5 against too.

3. Up against it and a dwindling barn, the Devils did fight back often to try and Essen the gap. Barrow and Waller netted twice to half the deficit, but the Flames hit back to reclaim their lead to four again in quick succession. Later in the third, the Devils pushed right back, pulling the goalie twice to go within one, before Tait concluded proceedings (and his hat-trick) with an empty netter.

4. Solid officiating, all officials knew how to treat this game, made correct calls when required in a typically feisty game, that saw the talking done with the puck. At times, you hardly knew the officials were there as the game was seamless and well controlled.

5. Flames resurgent and this was a well needed game from them, considering the start of their season. This win would definitely put them on an upward trajectory, much to the relief of Dixon. They finished 2nd in the group, level on W% with Flyers, however Flyers should have the 4th seed due to far less goals conceded and a positive goal differential (+1).

6. Ryan Barrow has put himself back in the conversation after hitting a pointless skid recently. He earned himself a multi-point night with a tally and a helper, but was very aggressive with the puck and on the forecheck, helping defensively and always looked to push over the game line. He was also awarded MOTM, again. His parents must be thrilled with all the Penderyn Whisky he has been collecting so far.

7. Sanford extends impressive CC form and his goal scoring streak. In the CC he has 8 points from 7GP, he current form has now seen him hit 7 goals in his last 5GP in all competitions, domestic and abroad. Goal Sanford is back!

8. Rymsha was physical, angry and finished his hits in his signature style. An excellent shut down D-man, who needed help in this area against the speedy nature and set up of the Flames. Evan Mosey stood tall and was effective in this area as well, but Rymsha caught the eye with each devastating hit.

9. Devils couldn’t finish this group stage on a high, but they shown character to keep playing and trying to claw the deficit back, despite a gruelling couple of weeks and a determined foe in front of them. The final period shown what they could do, which they will need to take into the next game, game 6 in 10 days vs another team looking to get cooking, in the Fife Flyers.

10. That was the 5th game in 9 days for the home team, beyond the next game on Sunday, there’s another midweek, so the fun doesn’t stop. The next game is against the aforementioned Flyers, who are starting to put together a decent run of form, so it is crucial the details and energy are there for the home team to secure maximum points.