MidWeek Kitbag – Devils Catch Up

League Record So Far; 29 – 1 – 10, 59pts, 2nd Place

Cool Runnings

Devils have been hot of late, keeping as much pressure on the leaders as possible, even with a sizeable gap.

Their recent 12-game unbeaten run got snapped during a thrilling midweek game at Panthers, but they bounced back by snapping another’s, leaders Steelers in one of the best atmospheres in the Vindico for quite some time.

This has been said quite often, which only goes to show something is working right, despite slim chance of meaningful silverware in the maiden season of the Pete Russell era.

The latest wins over Flames and Steelers have helped to log 7 weekends with maximum points in a row for the club, as they look to finish as strong as they can for the playoffs.

Playoff Contention

Despite not being accredited with a spot confirmed as of yet, mathematically it seems Devils have their place clinched, particularly as the bottom three clubs are over 20 points adrift.

Flyers won’t be able to make up the gap to the Devils and with Panthers 4 games in hand over them, it is hard pressed to suggest Devils won’t yet qualify.

There is also a sizeable distance between 2nd and 3rd respectively (11 points), then with 4th, 14 points to separate them.

Injuries

Joshua Waller has recently been added to the injury reserve list, however, this will be longer than 28 days due to the surgery he would have. Also, Tyler Busch picked up an upper body injury vs Steelers, which has seen fan favourite Chad Pietroniro be reactivated to return to the line up.

Since Rymsha’s return, he played once, so there is no word yet on his status, be it healthy scratch or not.

After Joey Martin returned, he has been on a scintillating run of form. A point per game pace, with 10G and 6A in 16GP. Prior to his injury, in 14GP he only managed 5 points.

In the L5GP, Sanford has hit 7 points, whilst Crawford still leads the league with assists (41) and Cox has stepped up his form with 6 points in his L5GP after featuring on most lines of late.

Looking Ahead

It seems that despite some injury set backs, the team are rolling high and running through brick walls to get over the line to earn maximum points, even if the cards are stacked against them and they haven’t been playing their best hockey.

Steelers might win the league in a dominant and deserved fashion, but a bench mark has been set for the club under Pete Russell, who has recently seen his GB team move on to the next Olympic Qualifying stage.

As the season will draw to a close, we will find out the playoff bracket and who goes to Nottingham for the POFW, then, the rumour mill will churn with earnest.

I will not yet speculate on who would be staying or going, as I have no idea, nor would the club want that conversation be starting as they knuckle down to a hot finish. Its been a season of many ups and downs, with plenty more to come.

10 home games left out of 14, with a 6 game home stand from next week. This will be very much welcomed by the leagues most travelled team this season. I for one, cannot wait for each one to be a hell out to help carry them into the post season.