Preview vs Storm; 3 Home Games Left of Regular Season

League Record So Far; League Record So Far; 31 – 13 – 5, 67pts, 3rd Place

L10GP; 5 – 4 – 1

CARDIFF, WALES – Devils host Manchester Storm in their one of 3 final home regular season games before playoffs take place. They host an unpredictable team that will battle until the bitter end, no matter what happens.

Here are some keys to the game and what to expect vs Storm;

1. Missing stars leave opportunities open

Albeit for one game, Josh MacDonald will serve a one game suspension for an incident that took place vs Stars on Sunday. Whether it was the right or wrong call to make against a backdrop of missed, dangerous and potentially career ending calls, the leagues’ DOPS have made the decision, which the club supports.

Couple that with an unfortunate season ending freak incident involving Ryan Barrow, this leaves two high profile spots in the top 6 to be claimed.

There is still no word on Nolan Yaremko, after he returned from a season long injury for a brief spell. The likelihood of Lacroix and Perlini being locked into the top 6 is very evident.

Perlini is great for skill and veteran plays, vision and positioning. Lacroix adds the teams’ own unpredictability, if he chooses too.

Neither have impressed this season, anticipated for one, disappointing for another.

For line adaptability, Perlini is better suited to the distribution of Sanford and prowess Kontos as centre, with Olischefski – Martin – Lacroix on the second line for support, which would provide heavy forechecking that Martin could use to his advantage.

The rest of the lines would likely see Brandt and Ferguson together, potentially with Mosey for pace, meaning MacLean to slot in on the blue line in his place to help shut down the wily and dynamic Storm offense.

2. Expect physicality, as these teams enjoy it

From the early season league and cup clashes, these teams cooked up a buzz online thanks to the combined PIMs and rambunctious shenanigans.

Neither team are afraid to throw a hit, get involved in post whistle cuddles and forecheck hard. Storm at times are reminiscent of Devils from a decade ago. Hit hard, skate hard, offer no apologies.

Following an 8-1 rout of Stars, this might be a game where the hockey world crashes down to reality, for both teams.

Storm are under pressure from a resurgent Flames team that is driven to finish as best they can, with resources available in their line up to achieve those aims.

Devils have a chance to claim 2nd place, to finish higher than expected and go into the post-season with a zip in their step. No matter the opponents, to secure that playoff berth in the finals weekend, they need to be strong at home.

A win for Storm would even the series vs Devils, scupper their higher placed desires and could put one foot in the door to secure 5th, as Flames have 4 games left, Storm with two in hand, which they face off on Friday. This could be the kisser to the Flames.

Momentum would certainly be with them either way.

A home win now would be crucial for Devils, to salvage pride and skate on for a stronger post-season finish.

3. Battle between the pipes

Two seasons ago, it was Evan Weninger that had the platitudes, his performances helped to galvanise his team to a 4th placed finish, way above any expectations.

This season, it is Drew DeRidder, a sure-fire cert for any shortlist in the post season awards.

However, even if Weninger is between the pipes for Storm, he finds a way to frustrate the Devils.

Then, with the hosts, they have a real problem at hand.

Which goalie to start?

Bowns, a seasoned veteran on a testimonial season, with 7 league shutouts already or Stoever, a rookie, posting up great numbers, who let in one goal last weekend, who also has shutouts, just as many as league leading DeRidder for SV%.

Weninger has featured in 3 league appearances vs Devils this season, with 2 of those games needing extra hockey, going each way for his team and a single goal loss.

DeRidder has a 50% record vs Devils, leaving options also wide open for their coach, which makes the contest even more palpable.

What might benefit Devils is that they are they highest volume shooters across the league, leading with a 38.39 shot on net average. Storm sit 8th, including for leaking shots on their esteemed goalies.

So, considering they have gone to extras 19 times this season, they cannot be ruled out for being effective in front of net.

They have as many players in the top 10 as Devils for points, with Brady Gilmour on 44. However, Devils have 3 more just outside with a point less, Gary Haden (40), Storms’ next nearest.

Close them down, Devils stand a strong chance of winning what appears to be a gripping arm wrestle.

Projected Line Up vs Storm

Perlini – Kontos – Sanford

Olischefski – Martin – Lacroix

Brandt – Ferguson – Mosey

Duggan – Davies – Caponi

Oligny – Estes

Fournier – MacLean

Richardson – Helgesen

Stoever

Bowns