League Record So Far; 22 – 11 – 2; 46pts, 4th Place
L10GP; 6 – 4 – 0
Devils came out flying at both home and away, with lots of pep, zeal and determination to get back to their standards and put themselves back on course challenging for the title. However, as their games drew on, so did their energy and ultimately, losing vital points in the process, with a much needed victory in the end.
Here is a break down of key points from the weekend;
1. Sanford back to what he does best, with an added caveat
It is no secret that Sanford is super competitive and hates to lose. It is what makes a competitive athlete what they are. His 7 second opener to get the barn rocking and silence the nay sayers was the perfect response for him and from his line mates.
Just minutes later, he grabbed the primary assist to combine with O’Brien, both having a multi-point night (more on O’Brien later), they were cruising.
He has of late, been stronger with the puck, less turnovers and giveaways than usual, but it is the off the puck shenanigans that proves costly.
In a similar fashion to the 1st leg road game at Steelers, Devils undone themselves with disastrous discipline related decisions, being caught out and wanting on the PK. Take those away, different results, different team, different conversations.
He got an unsportsmanlike conduct call which gave away valuable momentum and pressure against the visitors, which handed them their 2nd goal. This was a game changer at 3-2 and the turning point in the contest.
It is something which has been of an upward trajectory of late, borne out of frustration and desperation to get on the front foot. Then, with the pressure, high intensity expectations (including of self – Sanford) and knowing what can happen in this league, it is understandable.
But not his game. In these last two games, he picked up 5 points, after a stretch of 3 games with none. His game is looking for chances on net and creating them. Not getting chippy and being put in the box.
2. No excuses made, but the short bench takes its toll, again
PR has stated many times, they make no excuses for their situation and just want to get on with it. That is a testament to the character and togetherness of the group.
Following the game vs Blaze on Saturday, was probably the first time he had come across as dejected and at a loss for words.
It was a moment when even their charismatic and stoic leader who usually puts the heat on his shoulders, plays down even how good they can be to maintain focus and respect, looked and sounded utterly at a loss and with disbelief.
He was not wrong saying that it was hard, as the game saw another body lost, then, until the game at Flames on Sunday, we found out why.
Their key player throughout the season, who put the team on his back when they were last down 5 or more players was also out. Josh MacDonald off the game sheet, likely for a big block he made with his knee.
For once, we became desperate.
3. Zach O’Brien delights again
He is 8 points from his L5GP, now on a 3 game streak, just at the right time. His natural stick handling, positioning and supreme hockey IQ always on display, but he has been forced to grow a little more taller as the bench shrunk week to week.
11 Points in his L10GP, his opening goal at Flames was his 40th overall in all EIHL competitions, 30 league, 10 in the cup. With MacDonald not in the line up, players like him and Sanford will have some heavy weight on their shoulders going forward, until more bodies return.
He put the icing on the cake after a battling PK for a major on MacWilliam, to grab an ENG, for 3 points on the night. He ends the week 6 points in the 3GP. He is in total since new years day at 12 points in 11GP in all EIHL competitions.
4. The list grows, will another player be signed before the deadline?
If you are or were ever fans of WWE and Chris Jericho, you would know about his arc with a list. It seems there is a more heel-like character at play in Cardiff, that is sinister and unprejudiced in their claims of hockey players.
Ben Davies
Gleason Fournier
Josh MacDonald
Brett Perlini
Hunter Shinkaruk
Reid Duke
Riley Brandt
Perhaps MacWilliam from the game ejection vs Flames?
It is not looking pretty. It does take its toll and it shows. However, prior to Schoonbaert signing before the Conti Cup, it was announced via their stream that they were in talks with 2 players, both of which got injured. Cue Scooby arriving.
Since then, it was reaffirmed via a Q&A that this was the case and back to the drawing board before the transfer deadline for the IIHF ends February 15th.
Apparently a player who had a broken thumb was revisited and they are hopeful they can secure some injury cover, so it is still unknown to what extent some of the injuries are.
Davies is expect to return after this week, with Fournier also expected to return for the vital game on Wednesday vs Steelers in the cup.
As lightly and correctly speculated, it looks like there might be some reinforcements, but from where? As long as they are healthy and not had a recent injury spell, my guess is it would be a forward as Schoonbaert slowly grows with this group, he had a stunning weekend and showing off his 2-way play each game.
It would add to the depleted lines, especially as Harewood may still have commitments with the Pitfalls, despite some good shifts when called upon.
5. Losing skid ends, against unbelievable odds
With 3 forward lines and 5 D, the boys hit the road short benched again at Guildford and battled hard to keep the game on their terms, skating home with a much deserved and uplifting win.
Results around them were mixed and there is still a mountain to climb. The most important aspect was to get back in the W column again and what a game it was .
After 40 mins, they out shot their hosts massively, leading for shot attempts at 42 to 20 and SOG 32-9. Flames picked up the pace to push for the go ahead goal and built throughout, with many odd man rushes and breakaways creating a back and forth, entertaining, but low scoring affair.
Then, more pressure on the road team, as MacWilliam lit up a skater along the boards, eventually being ejected for game plus 5, leaving the door to the dressing room in tatters and an home fan with a heavy reminder in their breeches afterwards.
That penalty was heroically killed, then on a broken play in the Flames OZ, Gourley got the eventual GWG, through an unready Kupsky, who had a solid night between the pipes.
Moments later, O’Brien sealed it with an empty netter and secured the points and a vital win.
The game ended with a much closer looking stat line, with 47 shots vs 40 for the hosts. They outshot Devils 10-3 in the third, however, of those three SOG, they found what they needed to get the game finished. Carruth was dialled in and was there when called upon, a massive boost for his confidence going forward.
The previous night vs Blaze, started just as hot and for a time, they were in control at 3-1, with a PPG for the good, until the discipline scuppered their momentum and desperation took over.
A game where the better team lost, but a good road win for their rivals, where some controversy was brought into it, albeit at a more, subdued level.
This win vs Flames will be the perfect tonic for an embattled group, who dug as deep as they could, once again and proved to themselves and an army of wingless doubters, that they cannot be counted out, even when they are down.
There is no quit in this team.
Three Stars of the Weekend
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