Review vs Clan & Preview vs Storm

League Record So Far; 20 – 7 – 2, 42pts, 1st Place

Players in MacWilliams Pocket; Mitchell Heard (GLA)

Devils are on the road the weekend before a crucial tournament the following week, which had seen some tweaks recently due to a team dropping out, so with a return to a full blue line set up, much was anticipated for this clash.

In the preview, the script for this game couldn’t have been closer, so if you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend you catch up first; https://hockeysteve.co.uk/2025/01/08/midweek-kitbag-catch-up-and-preview-vs-clan/

From predictive analytics, seen here https://x.com/hockeysteve8719/status/1877819194437242891, to who is trending in last 5GP, net battles and form, it was amazing to see how this played out, but what were the key takeaways?

1. Don’t count the Devils out, even when they are down

It is not the first time there has been a marvellous comeback from this team, but to do it on the road, short benched and in danger of losing complete control of the game, this one was special.

Throughout the game, Devils had the better chances, more looks and felt like they could just turn the screw at any given time, but for the Clan, they had puck luck on their side and found themselves ahead by two, twice, especially going into the third.

With just moments left of the second, the road team dialled up the workrate, asking questions of what was a pretty solid showing by Clan net minder, Landon Bow, with the buzzer for the second intermission coming at the wrong time.

How they started then ended however in the third, was what most fans were waiting for, then, they never looked back.

It has been said a lot in recent weeks, that even when there has been inevitable losses or close defeats/victories, there is no quit in this team. Last night they proved it with gusto and in regulation.

2. O’Brien multipoint night

It has been a while since there was a multi point night for Zach O’Brien, but his three apples added to what he has already produced since his return over the festive period and has been a pivotal addition to help generate offense for his line mates.

The way he skates around, puck carries, is unassuming, which catches opponents off guard, as he has a nose for net and sublime hands to find the tastiest of dishes, one of which helped with the GWG to the back door, allowing MacDangle to pop the bottle and earn the team the all import points in regulation.

O’Brien now has 25 points in 22GP, 16 of those as assists, 2 primary last night. When he cooks, especially on the PP, his team eats well.

3. Tyler Busch finding form

It has been a season of hard work for Busch, who is praised for his gritty play and antagonistic behaviour towards opponents, he also has a knack of finding the net once those occurrences happen.

However, he does tend to long pointless bouts, but in his last couple of games, he has found twine to the delight of team mates and fans.

He now has two goals and 3 points in the last 2GP, just in time for some important moments for the club and his hard work for the team is paying off.

4. Dance with him, you will become a new man, perhaps

The comeback was complete due to the total team effort of the players out there, putting their bodies on the line and winning races, battles and never giving up.

The latter has to also be accredited to Mitchell Heard, who added some delicious icing to the cake that helped to collapse the peg-loose Clan at home.

His antics in trying to draw penalties on the Devils were admirable, a tactic well used, but who would really think it would work on a formidable player and veteran like Andrew MacWilliam?

Not a single fan of the Clan could ever consciously and intelligently blame the officials for that. That was all their player, even if it is part of his ‘game’, chose your opponents wisely or else what is the point?

Seeing him escorted to the box twice was comical, the first was hysterical. If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again eh? Wonderful hockey IQ.

His PIMS were 70% of his teams in total on the night. Officials had an easy night with him in all fairness.

5. Super Olischefski

He wasn’t accredited for a single blocked shot, but by memory it was around 5. He literally dived behind his goalie to block a last gasp effort to tie the game late after all.

It wasn’t just in the this area he was effective (as many were across the lines last night).

His defensive play, active sticks, relentless hounding off the puck, the forecheck, creating space in the danger and greasy areas, drawing players in, although not always with penalties as a result, all contributed to a game of high intensity, belief and determination that his team will win.

Players like this are diamonds that are rare to find. This team has them in abundance but ever so surely and quietly, Kohen Olischefski has been making his mark.

A top 6 player, who is ferocious, good on the draws and chips in with points grabbed a helper on his way to helping his team tilt the game and swing momentum firmly in their favour, even whilst down a couple of goals at different points in the 60.

Preview vs Storm

Heading home to South Wales will feature an encounter that has thrown up some surprising results this season.

In one respect, Storm can be a thorn in Pete Russells side, as they have claimed key victories against their opponents, who will look to keep their heads above water, as Giants don’t seem to let up in the title race.

Both teams have won their last 2 games, but Devils slightly ahead with an extra win in their L5GP for 6 points from a possible 10. A win tonight would see them return to a good run, but that could be said either way for both teams.

Storm languished outside the playoff spots then fired former coach Mike Flanagan, for arguably less than Fifes former boss, Tom Coolen, but since that change, their fortunes have exponentially.

Although they are still 9th, being 10 points shy of 6th placed Flames, they have really turned a corner and put in some competitive games, closing the gap on their nearest rivals whilst putting Edinburgh Capitals level daylight between them and 10th.

In the league so far, Devils have claimed 5 points from six against Storm, their last game went to a shootout, win Storm taking the points in dramatic, but well earned fashion. Not often has a team come from behind to beat the Devils this season. Not the first time this has happened across both EIHL comps this year for these two teams either.

Devils have put up 12 goals, conceding 6 against this plucky side from the tent in regular season action. This is about right in terms of Storms campaign, where they can always score, they likely concede just one more and they can score in bunches.

Weninger had arguably his best game of the season last time they met down the Vindico, as he grew into the game, goaded his opposition and stopped those pens to earn a hard fought and deserved victory.

Players to Watch; Storm

Alexis D’Aoust (D’owst) – Credit to their scoring proficiency, a team in the bottom of the table by rights shouldn’t have any players in the top 5 for points scorers, let alone top 20 or 50. Storm have two. The top one is a machine that gets the greasy goals (13) and has 19 helpers for 32 points.

Grant Hebert – The early season addition has been on a heater ever since he joined and is 4th overall in points with 31. When one scores, it is usually due to the other creating or they are there on the ice for the conversions, so never rule this pair out when it comes to the scoresheet for Storm.

Players to Watch; Devils

Brett Perlini – Perlini is now on a natural 5 game point streak, scoring 4 and adding a couple helpers for 6 points in this slate of games. He has been benefiting from 3 line hockey, gaining more TOI and the rewards have been paying off. Always a threat around net and a keen eye for a turnover and break out pass.

Reid Duke – Also on a natural 5 game point streak, Duke has been another that has benefited from the reduced lines and therefore more ice time, putting up the opposite to Perlini’s scoring record over this slate of games too. Though he can be a bit brash offensively, he does contribute regularly.