Preview vs Fife Flyers

League Record So Far; 21 – 7 – 2, 44pts, 2nd Place

Devils hit the road for a long trip to Kirkcaldy, Scotland to face off against a defiant Flyers team, in what is the first time since they were top of the table this campaign, they go into a game behind another team.

All eyes will be on this one, as it is the first game since that historic triumph on home ice in the Continental Cup, with big implications for their main focus, the EIHL title.

The cup has been brought one step closer after a knockout game in a quarter final, with the winner progressing to the semi finals, which included an ominous review in their new ‘situation room’, just like with the new powers officials had in last years POFW, immediately used, go figure.

To note, that wasn’t a ‘winner takes all’ game, it was simply a badly repackaged knock out round for tournament progression. Let’s hope this format gets overhauled next season.

Tale of The Tape

Fife are hosting an elated Devils team, eager to kick on and put pressure on the top placed Giants, just a few games after their own triumph, a first win in 13 games.

Since then, Flyers have returned to form, succumbing to a loss the very next game, however, effort has incrementally increased, they are not a team that are playing with their heads down, they are facing off to win. Having that taste, especially in the fashion they played, they will be up for this one on home ice.

Devils however, are 3 – 0 – 2 in their L5GP, on a run of three wins, looking to add to that on the weekend across this board. Back to back home victories and a glorious tea tray from Waitrose, they are technically on a 5 game run right now.

Of the last 5 league games, Fife has conceded 28 goals, scoring 10. They do have a game to play Friday vs Clan, a big game for them, before hosting the visiting Welsh European Champions.

Devils are little more conservative in their results from the league, with games generally decided by a couple of goals or by a single tally. Conceding 17 along the way, scoring just 16, which for their run, is very unusual for this team.

Devils are currently 3rd overall for their GFA with 3.6, whilst Flyers are rock bottom with GAA at 5.17, fitting for the illustrious ‘Fife Five Club’. Devils also went to 3rd overall for GAA, with 2.37, 0.05 from 1st, which shows how tight it is at the top.

Flyers will hope to have another fast start against the current favourites, like they did 2 months ago, letting a 4:1 lead fizzle away, to the relief of Devils fans far and wide.

Special Teams & Details

Devils have been cooking on their special teams during last weekend Conti Cup heroics, finding the net and killing most of the penalties all weekend. Their PP went to a 40% success rate, which is a great outcome for their special teams, dominated by O’Brien and MacDonald, the latter being forward of the competition.

On the PK, they went 71%, only collecting 4 penalties. BDL had 9 in those games.

In the league, Devils sit mid table at 21.35%, recently scoring in their last 6GP in all competitions on the power play. For the PK, they continue to rank at the top with 86.61%.

Flyers however, have naturally struggled to score in general this season, currently 2nd last overall with 17.28% and on the PK, the same situation with 74.74%.

Devils have the best GA record so far this season, with 71 goals conceded, where as their hosts on Saturday (currently) sit last, with 155 GA. They are at a -92 GD, which is pretty damning and severe.

For the visitors, they are third in the GS slot, but have now reversed type and have some games in hand amongst those around them and are at +37 GD for the good. Who will hit 200 GA/GF first? Flyers or one of the top 3 teams?

Ones To Watch

Devils

If I wouldn’t say Josh MacDonald, you would think of why. So, it is the Conti Cup MVP for his club, the current points leader of the EIHL (39) and goals leader (21), Josh MacDangle.

As stated in the upcoming Match Night Programme vs Giants this Sunday, he has continued on his run of form, even with a game dropped recently vs Panthers, making for 28 points (16G, 12A) in the last 20GP in league action alone.

Heater.

Flyers

Phelix Martineau has been the engine for the Flyers offensively of late, putting up 5 points in his L5GP, although not on a true run, he will still contribute, especially as he has managed a point per game pace in his last 10 as well.

He seems to go on batches of runs then nothing then another batch, so is always a threat or key contributor.

Recovery Table

With new player Schoonbaert in the roster, he will ice this weekend for the club domestically for the first time, so it will be interesting to see what he will bring in regular action.

Brandt of course, will remain sidelined for a while now, leaving Ben Davies who could return soon and Shinkaruk in a couple weeks max, if he exists.

Who knows, by the end of the next month, there might be a full roster to choose from.

Then, the Devils season can truly begin…