Weekend Preview; Final Run-in vs Blaze & Panthers

League Record So Far; 33 – 14 – 5, 71pts, 2nd Place

L10GP; 6 – 4 – 0

CARDIFF, WALES – For the final regular season home game, Devils host Coventry Blaze to round off their season series against their rivals. The cup finalists stunned the Devils the last game they met, putting 4 past them with ease within the first frame, sending Stoever to the bench, then hung on for the points.

Here are some keys to the weekends hockey, as the season enters its final flourish;

1. Must win game, needing key players to stand up and lead

It has been a struggle for the past few seasons for any Devils team. Win a ‘must win’ now or never game to control their own destiny and confirm their abilities.

This has largely been missing. Losing major finals, dropping off the pace after leading the league, not taking advantage of fortuitous results elsewhere.

That has become ‘Devils Hockey’. Or has it?

Now is the perfect chance to avenge their own miserable performance in their last clash and to put a marker on the end of the regular season, in front of their home fans.

They have shutout this team 3 times and taken an extra road win. 4 wins from 5 games, the season series is won, but needs that final entry as a ‘W’ for the good guys.

They have put 20 goals past them, averaging of course 4 per game, conceding 9. This is their game to put a foothold on second place.

2. Use the momentum earned from midweek

They gave a bashing to an ego that has become synonymous with the culture of this league. Despite the fact they had already lost the season series (opposite vs Blaze almost), they needed to step and start the process.

They done exactly that, which is why it is key to back it up at home.

Thrashing a beleaguered Steelers team 5 nothing was the perfect tonic to feel good again and a reminder of what this team is truly capable of.

Now more than ever, they need to build on that result and put themselves within touching distance of finishing in the top 2, let alone top 3.

For a team that was touted as ‘mid-table’ before the season started, of their opponents this week, they are the sole outfit that doesn’t belong there.

3. Keep the pace, increase the pressure

The most fortunate aspect of the standings currently, is that if there was an outside chance of places 2nd to 4th all ending with the same points, Devils would finish 2nd thanks to regulation wins.

That isn’t a case to switch off and focus on playoffs right now.

The mentality needs to be ruthless. Either opponent are capable of beating this team, as much as this group are capable of beating anyone.

They have found success on the road vs Panthers and taken Blaze apart at their barn. It is however, far from conclusive.

Both teams have their own seasons to consolidate and the final positions matter, unlike what one likely outgoing coach adhered too.

Panthers have found pride in recent years and consider Devils a prime team to beat. In one calendar year, they have collected 3 trophies; Playoffs*, Challenge Cup* and IIHF Continental Cup*.

All with an * – however, collect them they did.

That is a group that knows how to take advantage of what is given to them, whether it was earned or not. You have to be in it to win it, whilst also have to have the confidence and desire to take what is given to you.

Be it an easy route to a final. A change of hosted venue. Schedules. Results elsewhere. You don’t win trophies or celebrate success without many tenants, those are some of the uglier facets many wont’ discuss. Yet, they still count.

As does an *.

Both opponents have game winners, excellent goalies and technically sound coaches. They will absolutely punish mistakes and cause heartache at any time.

These games might also not be pretty. There will be desperation from all the teams as nothing is currently set in stone. So much to play for, so the risk vs reward has never been staked any higher.

Ones to Watch

Cardiff Devils – Kristoff Kontos; with 51 points from 50GP, he has become the leader on his team, exceeding his previous club from last season.

He has hit a 9 game natural point streak and has even elevated Cole Sanford and others around him. A silent leader, just doing his thing and executing successfully.

Coventry Blaze – Grant Mismash; Probaly one of the top 3 forward candidates of the season, Mishmash has found form at a place he has truly connected with.

He factored in multiple team of the weeks across EIHL socials, from podcasts, to the official league, to daily update platforms and even meme/GIF merchants.

53 points in 50GP is what any team would want from a top 6 player.

Nottingham Panthers; Tim Doherty; Likely a candidate for the EIHL all star team, one of the strongest shouts for forward of the year, he leads the league for skaters outside the anomaly that is Mitch Balmas.

He is league leader for assists (39) and strong on the power play (4PPG’s). 54 points from 51GP so far this season, he is as dangerous as any forward around the league. Consistent to a fault and mature with his play.

Extra Thoughts…

What this shows, is that despite inconsistencies to their season, Devils do have players that are amongst the league leaders. It just took a while to get there.

Reminding most, the season is long and sometimes, you dont need a player over 1.5 ppg – you need a team to help get them there.