Weekend Preview; Challenge Cup

The next three games for the Devils are in cup action, with a trip to Sheffield first to play the title holders, then home to Flames before a mid week clash with Blaze at home.

This weekend, albeit just the cup, is a perfect litmus test for the top teams in the league, the CHL heroes of Sheffield against the treble challenging Devils, followed up by a home clash against a fierce rival, whose fate is in the hands of other teams, with this fixture being their last in the group stage.

Devils are 2 – 1 – 1 in cup action so far, after a great start, they fell short in a gritty home tie vs Storm, then a narrow loss in Nottingham, which left a few sour tastes in the visitors mouths, so they will surely look to get as many points as possible before their next league game.

Devils’ lack of cup action hasn’t entirely rotted away their prospects, as in all things considered, qualification is entirely in their hands.

A late, bewildering fixture vs Panthers in December might be joined by another from a postponed fixture last weekend vs Blaze, however what they have done to date is the foundation to skate on and look for making the next round.

With a 65% win rate already, it is not dire straits, despite the opposition. They have a healthy GFA at 4.5 per game, whilst at GAA they have 3.

The cup does allow for less focus, as it’s not a priority, however to make sure they win games, reflecting league output is a must.

The special teams have started to really kick into gear from the last couple games, but overall in the cup, they are dead last on the PK at 66.67%, with a 4th overall PP at 22.25%. This is the baseline position for overall %’s.

Productively, their shots for is also at 4th, with 35.75 per game played so far and the already mentioned GAA is also at 4th, though they are the second most productive with their GFA.

So, despite considerably less cup games, they have been affective going forward and finding twine.

In order to move on from this ‘group’, the top two automatically go into the semi final, with the top team (Giants) from the other group. To join them, there is a ‘play in game’ otherwise known as a one off quarter final, pitting the runner up to the other group vs who ever finished third in this one.

Got it?

Currently, Devils are trending to finish third overall, however if they do pick up at least 4 points over this current slate of cup games, they would eliminate the Flames and put pressure on the other teams to secure points, especially for the top three positions.

This would be perfect for the Devils, as they can determine their own cup run, potentially knowing who would qualify from Group A well before their own schedule has concluded (well done, EIHL).

The top scorers for the team in cup action so far are of course the top three currently overall, as seen here in this graphic;

It will be a tough trip to Sheffield, especially as they will look to assert themselves on their closest rivals in terms of competition overall.

Steelers have recently dropped games, but always find a way to squirm out of tight contests with some form of reward. They have played midweek vs a hot Stars team, with Devils having a full week of rest.

There should be some more returnees for the team, perhaps even Mac Carruth possibly starting vs Flames. Donaghey should be ready to return following Mosey from last weekend with similar upper body injuries.

No word yet on Shinkaruk.

As mentioned, Flames have just the Devils to play to conclude their cup campaign, sitting bottom of their group on the same points as the good guys.

The goal differential for Flames has been woeful, sitting at minus 9 overall. Devils are plus 6 and enjoy scoring against them.

This has a potential to be a barn burner that consigns Flames to the first early exit out of the cup (possibly followed by some hand bags) or, Flames will turn out for a last hurrah, stall Devils’ progress and take away their vital points, in turn putting pressure on their rivals to perform and succeed under less favourable terms.

Following this weekend, is a date with destiny in terms of two old rivals going through new and recent changes, being two of the most in form teams so far this season.

A lot to play for, even if it is the cup.