Weekend Recap vs Flyers & Stars

League Record So Far; 12 – 1 – 5, 2nd Place, 25pts

Mixed results reveal weaknesses in a system that needs changes and sorely needs some returning players or a new defensive signing to provide options and more cover.

As previously written, the tenuous balance of the roster size will soon meet its challenges when faced with injuries, so when a roster can be selected for a game, it must be ready.

Stars, Bears and Handbags

After a shaky start, even though the opening goal was sublime, Devils kicked into gear and never seemed to look back. In due course, the injury list was added to after a blatant check to the head of Waller, which went uncalled in a dismissive and unprofessional fashion, which later got a ban for the offending player.

The game kept a pace, until almost all present at the Vindico Arena switched off, except the visitors. They took full advantage of the home team switch off, then they brought the game back to within one, pulled their goalie to try and tie it late in the third but it ended with a home win.

The drama that ensued after the final buzzer was a combination of emotions, lack of control of the ice and players and belligerent opposition players looking to goad the home team rather than actually front up. Luckily, there was only fines given out, instead of additional punishment.

Flyers, Fatigue and Missed Chances

This meant a slightly short benched team to travel to Kirkcaldy to play the Flyers, in a fixture that should have seen the Devils lock down the weekend with a Win. However, never sleep on the Flyers.

They hosted the 2nd place visitors from a skid that lasted 6 reg season games. Once they took the lead, they never looked back and adding a shorty at the end, seemed to nail the coffin shut for the Devils weekend.

Highlights

There were plenty of positives to focus on this weekend.

Waller, who got the Devils on the board and the culprit for the bears to be aired did so in such a fashion, his goal would surely be in the top 5 this week. A steal on the blue line, lead to a breakaway for an unassisted effort that left Kevin Carr undressed and up against it for the rest of the night.

Rymsha scored his first goal for the club on the weekend, which should have put the Stars away, until the comeback started.

Crandall extended his points streak (10 from L10GP) and added another goal, 5 this month in the league.

Ully and Cox had multi-point nights, with a brace of apples each, as they vie with Arniel, who also got a primary assist, for being the top points scorers in the league for the Devils so far this season.

Takeaways

However, there are some things that fans would love to see addressed and improved.

1. Playing a full 60 is the expected minimum requirement from all involved, be it fans to coaches, to players to owners. So, despite some bodies being out for selection, the expectation remains the same.

Add in the fact the league leaders pummelled their opponents after letting a good lead slip and their victors in reverse fixtures this weekend, it sets a pace that should see them finish 2nd at best. Likely, not the direction the club wishes to go.

2. Titles are never won or lost at this stage of the season, but since the collapse in the Challenge Cup midweek vs Clan, a response was more than expected to keep the pressure on.

The loss against Flyers has now widened the slight gap to 4 points, with the Clan as the next opponents, in a game which might see Pietroniro and Kallen get some looks and attention.

In the Flyers game, this seemed to seal a fate that a defeat was inevitable, particularly after the type of game that was had the previous night. It showed.

3. Just 2.5% shot efficiency, lead to a lone goal by Davies, that went undone by a poor turnover. Something that has been a weakness in the Devils set up.

4. Perhaps it is desire or desperation to jump the game up and get it going, but from observing most games, the easy outlet passes get over looked for a high risk stretch pass or a blind back hand pass. This invites the turnovers, which means the shape of the lines need to react and adapt. Get caught flat footed, the danger of conceding increases.

5. Again, the Devils outworked their opponents and got scant reward. That eats at teams. Yes, with or without injuries, Coach Russell isn’t afraid to change up the lines, which is a very welcome difference to recent coaches.

The fundamentals could do with a closer look, just as an observer who should be making those easy mistakes, not the professionals.

The work rate saw 54 shot attempts at Shane Owen, 40 SOG and a single goal. Against Dundee, 80 shots were launched at the net, 48 SOG with 5 zipping past Kevin Carr, a shot efficiency of over 10%.

134 shots, for 12.5% accuracy. Flyers had less shots overall than Devils did on goal, which goes to show that you can’t just rely on goal scoring, line defence needs to step up against better teams.

6. Despite some PPG’s, the power play itself slipped to 7th in the league, which highlights just how competitive this season has been. This would be another area that fans would love to see a massive improvement made.

7. Of the 18 games played in league action so far, it would come as no surprise to many that most games started from behind. Exactly 50% have, with the Devils managing 3 wins from behind out of 9. However, when on the front foot, they haven’t lost. Get that all important first goal.

More importantly, don’t let up. Goal difference or variables could be the difference once the season concludes and it has happened before where a title is won on the seasonal breakdowns.

8. No one respects this team. That is evident. Nor should they. To earn that, that comes by seeing it through, full 60, full extras if needed, full points, week in, week out. With game days 19 and 20 approaching during the Christmas period, now is the time to prove it.

Devils Three Stars;

Third Star; Joshua Waller (1 Goal, Unassisted)

Second Star; Cole Ully (2 Assists)

First Star; Justin Crandall (1 PPG)