Post Game Review vs Žilina; 5 Key Observations

Record So Far; 2 – 0 – 0. 6pts, 1st Place, Qualified

To the travelling army of fans in Slovakia, you have done yourselves proud and once again shone in Europe. There is no doubt who the best fans in Europe are, especially when it comes to travelling away. Every fanbase in the EIHL has attempted to recreate what has been building in Cardiff Bay, from songs to dedicated sections – keep it going.

The Devils dominated once again, this time against the hosts on prime time for the tournament, earning qualification to the Final and the first to do so. Here are my key observations from the game;

1. Strange Circumstances Create Emotional Success

The elation for making the final with a game to spare was noticeable, as the home crowd were often drowned out by the chants, excitement and fun loving red army in support.

This was a game where defensively the team were solid again, both ends of the ice being marshalled by higher skilled game management, however once again after going up by two, a rush that lead to a goal being conceded, ended up with a goalie going injured.

This time it was Carruth, who went between the pipes the last game, as Bowns bowed out for a niggle to his hip (suspected), but ended up in clear distress, potentially suffering a concussion on the play.

It was daunting as the supremely confident and stoic net minder, known for stare downs, intensity and shenanigans, had to be lead off the ice.

From that point on, Devils shut up shop and professionally put away their opponents who couldn’t create any offense, find decent possession or present a threat. Bowns was given little to do and for the final game, it is all up in the air who starts in net.

2. When In Europe, Be Like Ben Davies

For club and country, Ben Davies loves to score in Europe. IIHF Internationals, Continental Cup. He will find the net.

The third goal on the night was a sublime and superb finish, earned from a line that has been cooking all season.

The 33 year old Welshman has been having a great season so far, even on the 4th line, he is already one third toward last seasons total, in his testimonial year.

He is projected a modest 19 points this regular season, his best since pre-lockdown era. Last season in the Continental Cup, he got a goal and two apples in 6 games.

He steps up when it matters, a true team mate. The 4th liner was second in face-off wins (8) and +5 on the dots, highest overall. This helped to set up forechecks, zone control and positive game flow.

3. The Goat Doing Goat Things

Joey Martin capped off a great round robin opener and continues to produce. So far in this stage, he leads the way with points, 1G, 3A (4 overall). His line has been delivering, with MacDonaled the tournament leader (at this stage) in goals (2), with previously mentioned Ethan Szypula on the same, #92 also claimed an assist to take him the top so far.

He has been in the thick of all the action, driving his team forward, allowing players like MacDonald, Fournier and Barrow the freedom to activate and cause disruption, generating chances and getting important markers in each game.

4. Details Matter

Despite the goal tending disruptions, the team has been focused and know what it means to the club, fans and haven’t lost their edge so far.

Many of the games have seen ejections from wayward hits, deliberate infractions and fracas alike, yet they continue to show what they are made of.

On the power play they lead the group with 28.57%. They have spent just over ten minutes on the man advantage, 10:32, from 7 penalties, scoring twice.

They don’t lead this stage overall in PP%, but have the least amount of time and thus penalties to work on, so overall, highly efficient.

On the PK, this has been the biggest improvement and should it stay, form carried onward for the rest of the season. The PK after facing 5 kills, are 100%. Despite a lack of discipline from group opponents so far, they have professionally managed their TOI with all circumstances, providing a platform to build momentum and domination.

In front of net, they haven’t scored as much as Group F former round robin rivals, Katowice, who they beat on and off the ice in the Final last season, but they have a better shot efficiency (SE) in Group E overall.

It comes as no surprise that this is the case, but it is good to note, 14.52% with 9 goals scored is decent, considering their Kazakh opponents on the final day like to shoot freely, but fail to find twine, 5.95% for SE.

5. Chaotic Goal Tending, Silver Linings

It is safe to assume that the travelling fans just want a game with no injuries between the pipes. Both goalies, as expected have been used, just not dictated by the team management.

However, despite this and to add to their impressive performances so far, the team as a whole lead in the net and defensively with just 2 GA, 1.00 GAA and 95.83 SV%.

This has been helped by staying out of the box, with just a handful of times going short handed, they are amongst the competitions best disciplined overall. Much different to EIHL cup action.

One more game like this, should be a happy trip home, even with qualification.

Additional Game Notes

Next Opponent – HC Arlan

Up next is the highly anticipated clash with former Continental Cup winners, HC Arlan Koketshau, who iron man captain, Mark Richardson once played for.

These are the top two teams in the group so far, with Arlan needing to find more than just direct methods to gain points, however they do have discipline issues.

Devils edge all statistical variables, but this tea need a win to guarantee their progression and the good guys want nothing more than to beat a Kazakh side, as they were ripped apart by the Nomads home and away last season, with that team winning on Welsh ice.

2025 Final

For the final itself, speculation has duly turned to where it will be hosted. My principle thought is if Grenoble qualify from their group, they will host.

Aalborg join Cardiff via head to head in their standings, with Katowice and Grenoble on 3 points each, however if they both win today, Grenoble via head to head (as they beat Katowice) would certainly qualify.

It is highly doubtful Cardiff will host back to back and the IIHF hosting in Kazakhstan. It is also very doubtful Aalborg would host both, so logically speaking, should Grenoble progress, the final is there.

Goalies

It is safe to say Mac Carruth is done for the weekend, so perhaps a nod to Maxym Duve, who helped back up Bowns whilst Carruth was out at the start of the season.

Three Stars vs Žilina

Ryan Barrow picked up the MOTM on the game, however, these men contributed to a great performance overall;