January Opener Recap; Devils Fall to Leaders

League Record So Far; 15 – 1 – 9, 31pts, 2nd Place

Devils hosted league leaders Steelers at home for the 2024 opener at the Vindico Arena, but fell by the wayside as the visitors barely got out of 2nd gear and steam rolled their hapless opponents.

The proceedings started as perfect as you could like, with a bright phase that lead to a forecheck, immediately putting the visitors under pressure and a brilliant goal from the blue line within the first minute.

Barn was rocking.

Then, the push back started. It did go either way, in a very competitive end to end game, however a penalty was gifted to the visitors who easily capitalised on their advantage. 10 game minutes later, they done it again, with the door wide open as Bowns failed to cover post to post on the classic, predictable east to west puck movement which ended the first frame 1-2 to the visitors.

The second period didn’t fair any better as the pace and precision from passing and positioning outclassed their hosts, romping to a 4 goal lead with 5 minutes left. The sense of dejection palpable on and off the ice. When the 5th and last goal went in, the seats started too empty.

All of the goals against the hosts went in from the slot, which is very telling of the collapse nature mindset the team has when defending a rush or zone entry.

The power play goals in the 1st period were almost carbon copies, as highlighted in the pictures. However, this hasn’t been confined to just the PK. Even 5 on 5, there is usually the left wing wide open with space, where a forward should be. Which allows easy zone entry and a scramble from the right to the left, which leaves the goalie wide open and vulnerable.

Physicality has been an ongoing concern amongst those who watch week in and week out, the goals conceded on the night highlighted more intensity is needed to protect the net in game, not just cheap shots after the whistle blows.

Coach Russell may not like gloves off frenzies, however the message should be clear, when at home or around their own net, no one gets close. This will surely be an immediate change to overcome what has been passive defensive play.

In the last 5GP, 18 goals have been conceded. Defense isn’t strictly the responsibility of the blue liners, as it is a line and therefore team priority.

As much as players can forecheck, a creeping trait from the last season has found its way into the game day mindset, which makes it easy for teams to counter and punish.

Despite the end result, the stats would have said that the game was close, with 69 shots for the hosts and 59 for the victors. Ex Goals were predicted at 3.03 vs 3.01 – a very fine margin which would have suited all parties, however on the night there was only one hockey team present.

The other, was elsewhere, a destination that could only be described as distant and no where near the expectations of the club. The fans know it. The coach knows it. The players will know it.

The defeat has now seen a closely run top table capitulate to a 10 point gap, with Storm on the road next then Belfast at home before a weekend where the Continental Cup means more now than ever, it isn’t getting easier.

The next few games will see exactly how competitive this team is, this is crunch time.