Preview vs Storm

League Record So Far; 22 – 11 – 2; 46pts, 4th Place

L10GP; 4 – 6 – 0

Devils face off against Manchester Storm in what will be a key game to skate on and continue contending for the title, that by now, is firmly in the grips of Belfast Giants, who have been nearly unthought of until recent weeks.

That is how quick things can change, so now the pressure is on them to keep this lead, with a double header looming, instead of Devils to keep up momentum. A different mind set entirely for the group who have a lot to be proud about.

Midweek, they turned around a meagre two goal deficit to put away cup holders Steelers in emphatic style, with top goal scorer MacDonald and sublime D-Man Fournier returning, including needed depth cover from Harewood.

The team wasted no time to level the series then take the lead and ultimately a win, which saw all goals scored by the forwards and all assists from their blue liners in a terrific showcase of team spirit, unity and class.

Tale of the Tape

Next, is a tough contest vs struggling Storm, who know how to produce an upset in Cardiff.

They have met a total of 6 times across both EIHL competitions, scoring 25 (10 in cup) and conceding 15 (7 in cup) in the process.

They are yet to lose in regulation vs Storm this season, with the 7th meeting at home, the hope if for advantage to team Devils, however, in both competitions, their opponents have taken things to extras and claimed the vital point.

So, this is no easy feat, despite their respective positions and league progress to date.

Devils of course snapped a 4 game losing skid on the weekend, in a road game vs Flames which had its fair share of moments. The depleted team skated and battled to an impressive win, easing fears of a season collapse.

That was their longest losing streak in the season proper discounting the pre-season squad shake ups due to GB becoming a focus for Coach Russell.

Storm however, are on a current run of 3 losses and looking to avoid the similar path that Devils had leading to this game. 8th placed Stars secured an OTW previous night, extending their points difference on Storm to 10.

It is looking likely the bottom two are nearly cemented in place.

That is what makes them so dangerous, as Devils are still vulnerable.

Special Teams & Discipline

It is no secret that meetings between these two teams can offer more than just good hockey. From rescheduled games last season, they saw each other a lot and early season, the same.

This created a rivalry experience that lead to some upsets and wild decisions from clean hits.

However, as the season has wore on, Devils won a European title and booked themselves into the seasons first domestic final (despite claiming the Aladdin cup, IN Nottingham).

Storm, they changed coach, slumped to the foot of the table and have struggled onwards ever since.

The most glaring aspects of this, is their special teams overall. Ranked bottom, even with the struggles of Fife ongoing, 16% on the PP and 72% on the PK.

Devils still top the league on the PK. as they have enough practice, taking more penalties than most according to PR, 101 so far in league play, however when it comes to power plays, he has a point, being under the league average (112.3) at 101.

Uniquely, Panthers and Steelers are lower than league average for taking penalties (116.3) where they are near enough to the standard for being awarded penalties, with the PK, they are 15 and 30% respectively less likely to get called against.

Storm meanwhile, are average to the league on penalties taken, where as on the PP, they are 85% more likely to be given a power play compared to the league average. Devils are 91% less likely than any other team so far, only beaten by Stars and Clan respectively.

So, this is no surprise how two poor to average teams are ahead on the PP, with so many less opportunities being converted on. It is also no surprise that the PP% leaders are Blaze, as they have had the most opportunities to convert than anyone else.

For reference, Giants are league average at 112 power plays gained to date in the league.

When it comes to overall discipline (PIMS/Game) Devils are danger close to the worst overall at 9th with 12.63 and Storm are mid table with 11.06. It is margins mind you, but there have been some wild decisions against Devils with clean hits being converted to major penalties and game misconducts.

Despite having one of the leagues worst discipline records, Devils are actually joint 3rd overall in the most kills taken. Which goes to show, that even when up against the odds, they do make it out as a group.

Ones To Watch

It is likely new Storm goalie Tendeck gets the start in net and his record has been sublime, although only 6GP. Weninger has had the lions share of ice time and it has been punishing for him, with one of the worst cumulative records so far, averaging 14th overall amongst goalies that have played 11 games or more.

For the forwards however, their brightest spark has to be Alexis D’Aoust, 2nd overall in the league for points, with 43, just one more than MacDonald. He is 9th overall for goals scored (18) and is a constant threat around the slot.

He does rank 3rd overall for helpers, so the line defence will need to box him out and break up passes across the danger areas.

For the Devils, this one will go to Zach O’Brien who is on a heater right now and it has been building, albeit quietly against the noise surrounding injuries, how to fan and the majesty of MacDangle.

O’Brien was sharp and sublime in his last couple of games, going 7 points in his 5GP and scoring in his last 3 in all EIHL comps.

at 32 points in 28GP, 43 overall in 39GP, he is projected at 54 for the season, but could honestly put up even more than that.