Weekend Preview vs Storm

Record So Far (CC); 3 – 0 – 1, 6pts, 2nd Place

Devils clash with upstarts Storm in cup home/away series double header that could see qualification to the next round for the first of three home games left in the competition group stages.

Storm will arrive with some good confidence after starting their campaign much better than expected, with only 2 point between them in the standings for their cup group.

The battle between both teams would be a test for both defenses and goalies, as they are capable of scoring, with Devils leading the way in Group A (17) and Storm with (14).

Devils do have the best defence in terms in goals against (8) across the board, with their tandem holding out as the ones to beat.

Storm do have a knack for upsetting the Devils either on home ice or back in Altrincham, taking an OTW almost a year to the day in the cup at the Vindico Arena.

The Magic Number

It was determined in the last post game review that Devils would require at minimum 3 regulation wins to be in contention to progress onward.

Last season they had that number with the group leaders one regulation win less, but they managed more in OT. With this being the second season of an unbalanced cup system, that seems to be the requirement in the leagues largest and most difficult group.

Last season, Storm managed just regulation 2 wins in this group, achieving just one at this stage currently. They have been taken to OT twice, losing both times.

Devils have 3 games left at home in the cup, with Fridays clash vs Storm the first of those. If they could take advantage of home ice and not get caught out by their opponents, it would be a marked improvement on last season.

Winning both games would add to their good start, with one loss in 4GP, which could even tilt the odds in their favour with a very early progression.

State of the Storm

Whilst their opponents shouldn’t be taken lightly, they have surprised many with how competitive they have been so far and so early on in the campaign.

Their biggest weakness was as expected, which is their defence, with a 4.0 GAA already, compared to Devils at just 2.

They recruited from lower level leagues, such as the SPHL to bring in new talent, which in spite of coughing up some leads and games needing extras, they have been resolute and seem to be able to adapt to higher quality and pace.

At least, this early.

Their top line including Gilmour and Cutler both have 5 points in the cup so far and with the team being one quarter of all that has played regular season at this stage, with stalwart Ulett (4) being their leader on the ice in the cup.

How Devils Shape Up

It goes without saying that Brandon Estes (8) has been the leagues most proficient point scorer, at least in the cup, the most amongst all blue liners.

His 5 point haul vs Flames added to his point per game pace as it was, but it was a highly impressive feat nonetheless.

This wasn’t repeated in their most recent performance vs Blaze who were able to box out their offensive threats and tighten up the NZ in a battle for attrition.

He was -1 on the night but one of the most active in terms of production, with 11 shots, closest to him was Blaze’s Saucerman, who also got the GWG.

Shot efficiency would be something they will look to remedy as a whole this weekend.

With 7 players currently at a point per pace or more, the feeling and confidence is high, with expectations they should go above average in output and prior reservations leading into the season.

Their special teams are producing at a very positive rate, with their PK at 88.24% (3rd overall) and power play to 25% (4th overall).

They are definitely struggling on the dots however, with 43. 29%, which allowed Blaze to stay competitive in the NZ and apply pressure on the Devils. In comparison, Storm at 55.22% at face offs in the cup.

Injury Updates & More

There has been no mention of any returns yet for the rest of the Devils’ leadership group, including captain Joey Martin.

There was an omission on their new podcast with Olischefski revealed as having signed a 2 year deal in the off-season.

Also, at the start of the week, it was announced by the club that they are going to (finally) retire the jersey for club legend and local hero Neil Francis in 2026 vs Stars. What a moment for him and the club.