Devils hit the road in the first of two legs to determine who goes to this seasons prolonged Challenge Cup final, amidst a dip in form, a scattering of injuries and resurgent opponent, waiting to put them to the sword.
Most would say this competition is pointless and uninteresting, but in terms of league progression, stature, prestige and for a winning culture, this is probably the most important time of the season.
Yes, Devils have lifted a European title recently, with many hoping that won’t be the only piece of silverware gained, with many more hoping or even concluding that the ‘tea tray’ would be how the business end of the season had been determined.
Steelers recently shutout the good guys at home, where this leg will take place, so after a run of thumping in Wales, they will be more than up for piling pressure onto a beleaguered Devils team, who seem to playing as a shadow of its former self recently, dropping games, points and valuable places to 4th.
Each have claimed a victory in their group games, wins going to the home teams, so it is highly likely that form will continue.
There is a unique flavour to this fixture however, with both teams over the years producing near exact results against one another, as seen below, thanks to a great insight by Steelers commentator Jonathan Fearnley.
The history between these teams runs deep, with Steelers experiencing recent success in this competition winning it as part of their treble last season and winning in Cardiff prior to lockdown in 2020.
Since then, it has mainly been Belfast picking up this prize, with Devils last win in 2017 and their last final in 2022.
There will no doubt be a desire to win this for both teams, as Steelers have been found out time and again this campaign and Devils yet to play with a healthy squad.
How they Shape Up
Devils have just two players in the top 20 for points leaders in the cup, as the Scots and Belfast teams make up the most for it.
Perlini (11 points in 10GP) is out injured for a few weeks and will not feature, the next nearest, 20th overall is league leader, including league goal scorer and multi-month MVP, Josh MacDonald with the same return. Of course, he will be the key man to look out for, with the team no doubt relying on him to lead them each game.
Despite Steelers topping their group, their highest ranked scorer in the cup so far is Vallerand at 23rd overall at a point per game pace (10 from 10).
Steelers needed extras in 4 games, with an even split in OTL/W’s, which helped them top the group, Devils runners up with 6 out right wins, despite some sketchy performances and backs against the wall finale in December, when games could have been concluded long before they went to Slovakia.
Both of these teams experienced a European journey, being the most travelled and road weary, so this game will either be a back and forth gong show or a tactically controlled, subdued affair to prepare for the 2nd leg.
In the cup so far, Devils have the net on 42 occasions, with their hosts 4 shy at 38 GF. GA is very close, with Devils having a better goal differential of +10 and Steelers at +8.
Much will be down to which goalie has a better night in net, with the Devils tandem wilting from injury and confidence issues, Greenfield, his teams only realistic choice has found form at the right time.
Devils do hold a statistical advantage from their previous combined meetings in all EIHL comps so far, with a 3.6 GFA vs a 2.8 GFA for the Steelers. But as in hockey and in cup scenarios, anything can happen.
Will we see Devils defiant and go for a win? Will Steelers seemingly skate home with this one like a few seasons ago?
All to play for.
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