Preview vs Panthers

League Record So Far; 21 – 8 – 2, 44pts, 2nd Place

Devils host Panthers in their signature Pride game before hitting the road vs Steelers in what will be a crucial and pivotal point in the season, as all three teams are looking to stake their title claims and chip away at the leaders, Belfast Giants.

Last weekend saw a sour moment on the Devils’ superb season, as just days after lifting a IIHF title in their own barn, succumbing to defeat against an opponent they can easily beat, allowing a 7 point gap in the process and then the knives came out Roman-style, reminiscent of the Senate with Julius Caesar being taken down by those around him.

It was vicious, vindictive, pointless and utterly embarrassing. Remember, a fanbase should stick together, not target or bemoan other parts. Luckily, redemption tours can always come about, so this weekend is a perfect opportunity for that.

Also to add a footnote on this; it doesn’t matter if you are up by 5 or down by 5, if an opposition player whiffs a shot on a clear, open net, the home fans are absolutely entitled to jeer them. It is the entire point and purpose of spectator sport.

The Run In

Panthers meanwhile have been going about their business under the radar, amassing run after run, now in the mix to claim 2nd overall and build for a belter of a season-ender.

In their L10GP, they also secured a semi-final berth vs Giants in the cup, whereas Devils will be hosted by Steelers in a month of games that will surely see a rivalry clash like no other.

Of the Panthers last stretch, they have gone unbeaten in their last 5GP, with a record of 7 – 3 – 0. They are also scoring for fun too, in just their most recent games, they put up 15 goals, conceding 6.

Devils, also boast a similar record in their L10GP, 7 – 3 – 0, but more mixed with inconsistent results. This has become a bugbear for most, but none more so than the team, of which is yet to have a spell during this campaign as 100% healthy.

How They Match Up

Of their meetings so far this season, across all competitions, Panthers hold a slight edge, but the victor is usually the home team.

Panthers have won 3 of the 5GP, but lost twice to the Devils in league. With so much riding on this game, it should be an epic battle as neither can afford to lose and the home team will want to put last week behind them, on and off the ice.

Of their clashes, Panthers slightly lead by a 2 goal differential, leading 15:13 in that department, with new(ish) arrival Grande providing a brick wall for them, a shutout in their last game no doubt.

His performances have finally knocked Bowns off his perch as the leagues leading goalie, but by mere margins.

Bowns, I expect, will be back in net for the home game at least.

Special Teams & Discipline

Devils still have one of the worst discipline records overall but have been trending up as the weeks have gone on, with the officials having clear directives that have helped to balance game management, with most games being dealt with effectively and in some cases, with inspiration as well.

Yes, both teams have their players that might be cause for concern, but in these types of games, it will either be a slash-fest, nothing called or an unfortunately timed hit that would leave the review no choice but eject a player you might not expect. Anything could happen.

This is where the PK would come into effect. The leagues top two teams, 1st vs 3rd respectively in this area face off and will look to shut down everything in front of the. Devils still lead at 86.17%, despite having games postponed and Panthers with 83.33%, are looking good in this area too.

For the PP, both teams suffer in this department, despite the players at either benches disposal.

Devils, in a rare boost, have a slightly better record at 6th overall with 20.43%, where as Panthers languish at 8th with a flat 19%. They have had more chances on the PP this season, 100, where as Devils have had 93 PP opportunities.

Again, fine margins.

Another to add is the GA record, as Devils sit 1st overall with 75 GA and Panthers, 2nd with 76 GA.

This will mean a crucial battle in net from both teams and who can turn it up offensively.

Ones to Watch

There are 10 places between their top scorers, as MacDonald still leads the way with his points record so far at 40, including top goal scorer with 21.

In the last month, MacDonald had 9 points in 6GP and has restarted his own scoring streak again. Not to mention, he picked up the Continental Cup Top Forward award. He is in fine form, not to mention MVP for last month, here; https://x.com/hockeysteve8719/status/1885399905214108042

If he picks up another point in this game, that would be 4 games straight, so all eyes will be on what he can do for his team.

Meanwhile, 11th placed Henbrant, is a point per game exactly in the league, with 33 so far this season. He had a great game last week vs Storm, picking up 3 points, helping to notch a similar record to his counterparts at 7 points in the L5GP.

He has 4 in his last two games, with 3 goals to boot. Dangerous and for his team, at the right time.

Recovery Table

Announced on their website, Cardiff Devils have stated that Brett Perlini took a blocked shot with him all the way to the end of the game, leaving him out for the next few weeks. A massive blow as he was on a heater of late.

Davies is due to return however, in the next couple weeks from his injury, caused in the last game vs Panthers.

Brandt and some guy called Shinkaruk are also a few more weeks out, so once again, Devils will have to dig deep and claw a win against tough opposition.

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