Preview vs Panthers

League Record So Far; 33 – 11 – 3, 69pts, 2nd Place

Devils host the visiting Panthers this Sunday down the bay in what could be a significant outcome for the league in terms of both top and bottom.

Of course, the standings won’t be affected, but the title and final playoff spot could be on its way to becoming decided from the outcome of this clash.

For both teams there would be 6 games left of regular season, with this clash the final in their own series.

Tale of The Tape

Last Seasons Series vs Panthers, taken via X/Twitter @hockeysteve8719

Panthers currently lead this series 3:2 however the last two games have seen Devils turn the tilt in this particular rivalry, as they have won those games with an added road victory for the first time in a while, making this final battle of the campaign between the two really special.

A road win for Panthers not only revives slim hopes of making playoffs, but it also aids the speed of which local rivals, Steelers, could claim the title. To add, it will solidify back to back 4:2 series wins over the good guys (As pictured above).

A home win, not only extends their unbeaten regulation record in this home stand, but ties the series against their opponents and adds pressure to the leaders to lift that coveted trophy.

Devils currently lead on GS with 18:16 across this high scoring series, but what is interesting to note is the projection of their goals as each game has been played. Could they make it aesthetically pleasing to score 2 – 2 – 4 – 4 – 6 – 6?

In contrast, Panthers offensively have seemed to flatlined across this series after a steady build up from 3 – 4 – 5 – 2 – 2, would these trends continue in a series that on average would see up to 7 goals per game between them?

Devils are looking to go for three wins straight after a shootout loss last weekend, whereas Panthers have 3 points from the last 5GP, both from additional hockey in swing OT’s.

Their last four have all been losses, so a much needed win would help to end this skid and offer slim hopes for an 8th placed finish.

Special Teams

As reviewed in the week, Devils lead the pack on the power play at 28.17%, with their visitors in 5th at 20.61%, so expect some action on the power play.

The PK however, has seen Devils climb back up the table from 8th to 3rd in the last few weeks, earning 79.86% in the process. Panthers meanwhile, sit rock bottom with 74.45%, so for them especially, staying out of the box is vital against the leagues best PP special team.

Lamp Lighters & Show Stoppers

Panthers do struggle on scoring at times, although as mentioned in the recent EIHL Face-Off Podcast, they swing from barely scoring to filling the net. Their league average is 3.04 GFA, similar to this seasons series scoring average at 3.2.

Devils are shy of 4 goals per game, with 3.87 GFA and in this series hold a 3.6 GFA. They have scored 15 goals in their last 4GP after getting shutout in Coventry back in the start of the month.

The issue for Panthers would be getting anything past Ben Bowns. He has had a solid season so far for his team and recently recorded back to back shutouts, so with a 2.36 GAA and a SV% of 92.95 overall, this will be a task that Panthers would be gearing up to execute.

Bowns is 2nd overall for league shutouts this season (5) with Greenfield of league leaders Sheffield collecting 8 so far in this campaign. Panthers number one Stojanovic, is one of 7 net minders with just a single shutout.

Against Devils, it would be a lucky gambler to think one team will be goalless after this game.

Points Leaders

One player across both teams have made the top 5 scorers so far this season, that player being Goal Sanford, sat in fifth currently with 51 points, the only Devil so far this campaign to go +50.

Marcus Crawford (49) requires just 1 more point to also hit 50, who is on course to best his inaugural season as a Devil, maintaining pace to join cult heroes in the EIHL era such as Hotham and G. Fournier respectively, as he currently sits in 8th.

Panthers do have a player in the top 10 overall in points leaders, with Otto Nieminen at 10th with 46 points. No doubt he will hit the 50 point milestone.

It is worth nothing that last season there was far more prolific goal scoring with the top three separated by 10 a piece at 91 – 80 – 70 respectively before the rest of the pack formed in the +50 margins which featured a number of Devils, however Panthers highest scorer was the much loved Mike Hammond at 38 points.

It is fair to say, the team this season despite tragic circumstances, have actually been improved, which means they should never be ruled out against any opponent.

Ones to Watch

As mentioned, there are players there who have written themselves into contention.

Cole Sanford (51pts) is currently at 8 points from 7GP this month alone, all from assists. In his L12GP, the team have faced one shut out. Other than that game he has been massively active securing 15 points along the way (2G, 13A).

However, his last goal came against Dundee Stars over a month ago (18.02.24), some 11 games back. Whilst he has hit a goal drought, he still produces for his team by being available to assist.

During March, there are four players on the Devils roster who have notched 6 points each, the most prolific being the GOAT, Joey Martin with 6 goals. So expect to see him add some magic on the night.

Previously mentioned, Otto Nieminen (46 pts) is a strong player to watch for the Panthers, with 9pts in his L5GP. Another to add would be Team of the Week selected, Didrik Henbrandt (33 pts) who has 6pts during this same period.

Line Up Considerations

Following the recent roster update release by the EIHL, seen here; https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/article/3302-2023-24-roster-updates, there was no mention of any Devils players being added on the IR list.

I would fully expect to see Cole Ully return to the line up at least, after missing a couple games recently. It is so far unclear on the situation for Tyler Busch, however if there was a definite time frame for his injury and recovery period to be set, it should be announced by now with a back-dated notification.

Further Content

Additionally to this, I have also joined a podcast, the EIHL Face-Off, which can be found here https://x.com/EIHLFaceOff/status/1771330928142409982?s=20 for Spotify users.

There is also an Apple link; https://x.com/EIHLFaceOff/status/1771468037188673958?s=20 – so give this account a follow for more.