League Record So Far; 32 – 11 – 3, 67pts, 2nd Place
Wednesday night hockey at the Vindico Arena and this one counts.
Any team or player in this sport will tell you about ‘meaningful’ hockey, which is usually reserved for a chance at a long playoff run. Sometimes, it’s the biggest moments. This is one of those moments.
From 7.30pm at puck drop, every second, every shift, every call, every pass, every check, every shot, every save, every line change, every period, counts. For both teams.
If you wanted an early playoff final game, this is it.
Oh, and Steelers are ready.
So Far This Season
Overall league picture aside, the tale of the tape between the best two teams this season has provided some quality games and bangers for the score sheet. This is also the midway game for the home stand in Cardiff and one of two meetings in 10 days between the clubs.
The series is tied at 2 a piece so far this season, with Steelers edging the score count at 12:8 including a shutout at home.
Nearly all stats are lead by the visitors, indicating how strong they have been this season. In the mix are some Devils usuals such as Bowns, Sanford, Crawford and Cox.
Currently, Devils are experiencing a hit on the injured reserve front, with Waller ruled out for the remainder, Busch already out and Ully taking a knock recently vs Flyers. Will the rest of the team have what it takes to delay the inevitable and at least, spoil a Steelers party on their own ice?
The rewards of this game as far as the league title goes doesn’t end there, as this is the playoff run in. Steelers this time last week lifted their first trophy in four years, another challenge cup triumph, their last on this very pad, much to disappointment from the home crowd.
Beyond this season, those rewards could land a victor or at least one of these teams in a challenger spot for the Champions Hockey League. Big time implications for that team.
Will Steelers renege if offered to them like this season?
Will it be awarded to the Devils, which has been hotly rumoured due to the clubs reputation and respect to their fans, making them one of the best in Europe, earned.
Form Matters
Both teams have had similar runs of form of late, their 5GP only slightly different by Steelers earning a SOW during this period, whilst the good guys took a SOL recently.
Devils L5GP; 3 – 1 – 1
Steelers LG5P; 4 – 0 – 1
The last 15 games have seen both teams accrue the same points, but over the last 10 game stretch, both have had a slight wobble in their respective stretches, but again, same points accrued.
Where they have slipped down the form table of late, they are still almost neck and neck in every aspect. It is what to expect from two top teams in this league.
Ones to Watch
Mitchell Balmas was a highlighted player on the new EIHL Face-Off podcast and for good reason. The Nova Scotian Maritimer leads the league in points at this stage of the season, with 58 points. He currently splits the Devils duo in Crawford (46) and Cox (37) in the apples section.
Marcus Crawford collected 3 points the past weekend, earning a slot on the 3 stars card with a goal and two more apples. He leads the league in helpers and has been more active lately in every aspect for his club, but sits 2nd overall in club points, one shy of 50 for the season.
He is projected to hit 58 points on the season, which would just about beat his previous, keeping him in the same territory as Hotham and Fournier.
HockeySteve Stats & Insights 
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