Pittsburgh Penguins vs New York Islanders 02/02/11

Penguins 3, Islanders 0 - Final

  If you had the choice, would you choose a shutout or a knockdown?  We all know what Penguins goaltender Brent Johnson chose when playing the New York Islanders.  He was all set for a shutout when he dropped the gloves with fellow goaltender, Rick DiPetro.

  But let's not get ahead of ourselves.  That did not come until seventeen seconds before the end of the game.  The first period held a different kind of excitement for Pittsburgh fans, the kind that comes when goals are scored.  The 'Burgh was lucky to witness two goals in the first.  It was on the power-play when the Pens got their first up on the scoreboard.  A nice wrist shot from Tyler Kennedy was all that was needed.  A few minutes later, the Pens were celebrating their second goal of the night, a back hander off the stick of Chris Kunitz.  This goal also saw Paul Martin's second assist of the night so far.  The first period also saw the likes of Mike Rupp, Konopka and Schremp gracing the penalty boxes, each with two minutes for Roughing.

 Although no goals were scored the excitement of the first was carried in to the second, in the form of penalties.  At 2.37 in the second, Pens' and Islanders' fans alike got their first taste of blood, with Mike Rupp and Konopka bashing heads.  There were also a few other minor penalties throughout the second twenty minutes but nothing of great importance.

  And then to the third we go' this period had it all!  Goals, penalties and fights.  The first nineteen minutes were nail-biting for Pitt fans, as they watched with baited breath to see if the boys could defend their two-goal lead.  But they need worry not.  Although he isn't the Penguins' starting goaltender, Brent Johnson was immovable between the pipes.  Defending shot after shot, Johnson was rewarded for his hard work when Max Talbot, with the help of Craig Adams, scored an empty-netter, bringing the score up to 3-0.  Everyone thought it was over.

 Silly us.  With just under twenty seconds remaining in the game, Johnson and DiPetro decided they wanted to dance.  The dropping of the gloves was in response to a hit on forward Matt Cooke, which was completely unnecessary.  With the goaltenders fighting, and everyone else pushing and shoving, it was an interesting last twenty seconds.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs Los Angeles Kings 10/02/11

Penguins 2, Kings 1 - OT Final

  Three goals, two fights and an overtime win; that’s what you would have got if you ventured down to the CONSOL Energy Center last night.  Just proves that even without our two main forwards, the Penguins can still pull out the wins.

  The first period was the goal period.  Both regulation goals were scored in the first twenty minutes, although only one came of a ‘burgh stick.  At 6.53 in the first, Brett Sterling – a call-up from the Baby Pens of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton - let loose a wicked snap shot.  Putting us ahead with the help of teammates, on the Pens and the Baby Pens, Dustin Jeffery and Nick Johnson, Sterling showed that he was definitely worth the call.  However, just over ten minutes later, the noise of the CONSOL was quietened only slightly by the equalizing goal, from Kings’ forward Jarret Stoll.

  Although the regulation goals had come and gone, the second period did not disappoint.  To follow up from Sterling’s snap shot, at 7.38 Deryk Engelland also let loose… with his fists.  It turns out Kevin Westgarth rubbed our defensemen up the wrong way, and came out worse for wears.  But the Baby Pens weren’t going to let the Pens have all the fun.  At 13.12 in the second, Ryan Craig dropped the gloves with Wayne Simmonds, proving that even the call-ups could tough it in the rough world that is the NHL.

  Now I bet you’re thinking, what could the third period have that could top the first forty minutes?  A hat-trick?  An all-out brawl?  Maybe even a goalie fight?  But unfortunately not… no goals, no major penalties, just some wicked shots from both teams.  Although the Kings were out shooting them, the Pens weren’t going down without a fight, managing to hold on until the end of regulation.

  Even with blood, sweat and tears –from the Kings- the Pens just couldn’t capitalize on any chances they got.  But instead of giving up, they continued to fight.  And, in the end, their fighting paid off.  At 4.41, after just coming back from an injury that has had him out for the first half of the season, forward Jordan Staal shot the puck at the net and scored his fourth goal of the season, with the help of number nine, Pascal Dupuis.

  Looks like that even without captain Sidney Crosby, or alternate Evgeni Malkin, the Pens just keep winning…. With the help of those precious Baby Pens of course!

Pittsburgh Penguins @ New York Rangers 01/02/11

Penguins 4, Rangers 3 - SO Final

  Despite their record in the big apple and missing so many key guys, the Pens managed to grab two points in a 4-3 SO win in New York.  With captain Crosby missing his tenth game due to a concussion and alternate Malkin missing his fourth, Penguin fans everywhere can breathe a sigh of relief and know that the boys can still win!

  It was a tense game throughout, with the Pens rallying from two-nil down in the second to end the period drawing three-three.  With Prust scoring the only first period goal and Anisimov doubling the score just over a minute and a half into the second, it wasn't looking good for the boys in white.  But they didn't give up.

  At 5.30 in the second, Dustin Jeffery started the night with a nice slap shot, on a 4-on-3 power-play... that'll teach Prust to mess with Engellend and Newbury to keep his elbows to himself.  Five minutes after the Burgh's first goal, Mike Rupp followed Jeffery's example and snapped one into the back of the next.  A few minutes later, Chris Kunitz tipped the puck into the net for Pittsburgh's final goal of the night.  The score was 3-2 with five minutes left in the period; if only they could hold them off and defend will in the third.  Unfortunately, in the last minute, Ryan Callahan blasted one into the back of the next, on the power-play after Jordan Staal was served a match penalty for a punch to Brandon Prust.

  The third period paled in comparison to the second, being goalless.  Although there were a few minor penalties - 2minutes to Dupuis, Letang and Dubinsky for various offenses - not much else to report on.  The OT period also failed to keep the audience engaged with no goals and no penalties, everyone was now holding their breath for the shootout.

  As per usual, the Pens' first shooter was Kris Letang.  Unfortunately his shot was saved Lundqvist (who managed to save 23 of 26 shots).  Rangers' first shooter was Wolski and the Flower (who also stopped 23 of 26 shots against him) had no problem stopping it.  The shots kept coming, either being stopped or missing the net completely, until round seven, when Dustin Jeffery stepped up to the plate.  With Lundqvist failing to block his shot, the pressure was n for Gabrik to score.  But he was not match the Pens' tender.  Final score 4-3 Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs New York Islanders 25/01/11

Penguins 1, Islanders 0 - Final

  And they just keep rolling.  Second win in a row for the Pens, without the two-headed monster that is Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.  Both Sid and Geno have now officially pulled out of the All-Star Game, puck drop 7.30pm on Sunday, and have been replaced.  So now we're down to two Pens on the All-Star Roster; but, if this game is anything to go by, then we have still got two strong players representing us.

  Marc-Andre Fleury, who is predicted to be one of the first tenders to be drafted by the All-Star Captains on Friday night, stopped an incredible 29 shots from 29, earning himself the 1st star, and, some might say, more importantly his 18th career shutout!  Let's go Flower!  Down at the other end of the ice, the Islanders' goalie, Poulin, managed to get himself the 2nd star, with 30 saves from 31 shots.  Poulin was lucky to be playing at all; he would have been back in the minors, had it not been for Nabokov getting suspended for failing to report to the Islanders, after being claimed on waivers.

  Although the first period was scoreless, it was definitely exciting.  Within the first thirty seconds, we had seen our first fight of the night.  Tyler Kennedy, not someone who we usually see dropping the gloves, got into a little rough 'n' tumble with the Islanders' No. 36, Travis Harmonic.  Everyone knew it was going to be a physical game, but who could have predicted that the guys would start throwing their weight around so quickly?  But that wasn't the only fight of the period.  At 1.53 - only one minutes, twenty-six seconds after Kennedy got down and dirty - Arron Asham was going at it with Zenon Konopha.  What has gotten into these guys???

  With more scratches, although we did have Ben Lovejoy back, it is amazing we are playing so well; but what do you expect from the Pens.  This game was the fifth win in six games, all without Crosby, who has missed nine games altogether now.  But then again, the Islanders haven't won in Pittsburgh since the December of 2007.  So we kinda had the advantage...

  And we put that advantage into full effect, in the third.  After a relatively dull second period (especially after the first two minutes of the first), Penguins came out in the third, ready to win.  And win they did.  At 8.35, nearly half way through the third, Asham shot the puck at the net, only to have Poulin get a pad to it.  Unfortunately for the Islanders, Poulin wasn't as lucky with the rebound.  The puck had presented itself at the stick of Craig Adams, after rebounding off Poulin's pad; the Pens No. 27 didn't waste the opportunity.  With an open net, Adams had an easy slot, giving Pittsburgh the lead. 

  The rest of the game past without incident, earning the Black and Gold team the two points.  We're still behind the Cryers but we won't be for long.  So Pens, rest up over the All-Star Break, cheer on Flower and Letang, and come back refreshed and ready to win!

Pittsburgh Penguins @ New Jersey Devils 20/01/11

Penguins 0, Devils 2 - Final

  There's not much I can say about this game.  We are near the top of the league; they ARE at the bottom.  Anyone guess the outcome?  Think we won?  You would be wrong if you did.  There's not much I can say about this game.  An infuriating game for all Pens fans.

  So, do you want the good before I bring more details about the bad?  Yes?  Okay then.... Brent Johnson got a game between the pipes, with Marc-Andre Fleury as his back-up (although that isn't so good for the Flower).  We also got a little excitement in the 3rd, from Maxime Talbot.  He landed himself five minutes for fighting, after landing a couple of solid punches on Tim Sestito; but if this was an effect to rally the Penguins, as the Superstar is known to do, it came a little too late.

  The funny thing about this game, the Pens had plenty of time to level out the score.  The two Devils' goals came in the first period; at 1.22, from Rolston, and at 9.51, from Palmieri.  The Jersey tender, Martin Brodeur (1st star) - who I adore, when he isn't playing the Penguins! - achieved his fourth shutout of the season, and his 114th career shutout; that is an NHL record!

  Looks like Penguins aren't the strongest team in the League of late.  We had just gotten used to playing without Crosby, then Malkin's out.  But from the sounds of things, they will have to get used to playing without their two star forwards, as it is uncertain when they will be returning to the line-up.  

  We'll see if Pittsburgh can pull it out of the bag against the 'Canes on Saturday.... we can only hope that Jordan Staal wants to beat his brother, Eric Staal (Captain for the 'Canes), enough to get us a win!

Pittsburgh Penguins vs Carolina Hurricanes 22/01/11

Penguins 3, Hurricanes 2 - Final

  Staal vs Staal.  It was all about Jordan Staal and his older brother, Eric, on Saturday night.  With no Crosby, who is now definitely missing the All-Star Game on the 29th due to a concussion, and no Malkin, who is out with a sore knee and sinus infection, the weight of the team fell onto the shoulders of Jordan Staal, who had to fill in as No. 1 Centre - not that he had any problems with the against his brother.

  Although he didn't score, Jordan Staal managed to achieve his fourth assist of the season and attained the second star. Of course, not even the brilliance of Jordan Staal, or the Staal vs Staal rivalry, can take the first star away from Marc-Andre Fleury.  Saving 24 shots out of 26, the Flower was on fire between the pipes.  We couldn't have asked for a better tender; no wonder he is going to the All-Star Game!

  Now, don't hate me for this next comment; it's a good job Geno Malkin isn't fit enough to play at the moment.  If he was, then Bylsma wouldn't have called Dustin Jeffrey back up from the minors, and he wouldn't have scored!  After a scoreless first period, Jeffrey opened the scoring at 17.14 in the second, with the help of Brooks Orpik.  Without Crosby, it was tough; Sid the Kid is definitely one of the guys that makes this team.  But we have learnt to function without him.  Then, Malkin is out.  For the second time since Malkin joined the franchise - the first being against the Devils on Thursday - the Pens have been without both of their world-class forwards.  And we didn't do so well without them against the Devils; but we're learning... quickly.

  The second period ended 1-0 Pens; question is, can we keep the lead?  Of course we can.... was there ever any doubt?  2.22 into the third period, Mark Lestestu doubled the Penguins lead with his tenth of the season.  No. 10 gets ten!!!  Cause for celebration if ever they were!  Can you imagine if someone like Wayne Gretzky scored as many goals as the number on the back of his jersey, in one season?  That would be a lot of goals...  But anyway, Lestestu managed to get us our first powerplay goal in four games, with the help of Kunitz and Letang.  It was about time we were due one.

  With the momentum rolling, Pittsburgh wouldn't give up a chance to add another to their running total of the night.  So, when the puck presented itself to Pascal Dupuis, 5.06 after Letestu doubled the lead, he wasn't really going to miss,was he?  Getting assistance from No. 1 centre Jordan Staal and Defenseman Paul Martin (who now has fourteen assists), Dupuis was cementing our win.

  That is until it all went downhill.  At the beginning of the third, Fleury was all set up for a shutout.  He has yet to get one against the 'Canes this season, although Brent Johnson manage to attain one when he met with Carolina back in October.  Even after Letestu scored, Marc-Andre was still solid in between the pipes.  With No. 9 making it 3-0 Penguins, you could practically smell the shutout in the air.

  But then it happened.  Or rather, Sergei Samsonov happened.  At 15.35 in the third, the Flower faltered for a single second; but that was just enough time for Samsonov to slip the puck past him.  So, now it was 3-1.  Not that bad, right?  Still got a two goal lead?  Not for long.

   It seems like the Carolina players have got confident.  It took a couple more minutes, but in the last minute of play, the 'Canes Captain-and Jordan's brother-Eric Staal, managed to slip one past, making the 3-2.  Although [Eric] Staal did diminish his goal, when he received a 10 minutes misconduct penalty, dead on 20.00.  He just managed to worm his way out of that one... unfortunately.

  So with a win under our belts, Penguins remain in 2nd in the Atlantic division, with 64 points; Flyers' are just ahead in 1st, with 69 points.  And for anyone who is excited for the All-Star Game, they have announced the Alternate Captains; for Team Lidstrom: Chicago's Patrick Kane and the fabulous Martin St. Louis.  For Team [Eric] Staal: Ryan Kesler, the American who should be Canadian, and the Caps' Mike Green, who we all hate to love.  Anyone else rooting for Team Staal?  Just me?  Okay then...

Pittsburgh Penguins vs Detroit Red Wings 18/01/11

Penguins 4, Red Wings 1 - Final

  Where to start!  The Pens are back and they are raring to go!  Three wins in as many games and all without our glorious captain, Sid the Kid.  The face of the NHL, who is out with a mild concussion, has missed the last six games, the first three going 0-1-2, and is rumored to be missing the All-Star game in Raleigh on January 30th.

  But if Crosby is anything like Jordan Staal, he will be fine when he gets back.  Staal, who missed the first thirty-nine games of the season due to injury, looks like he has never been away.  He opened the scoring just 3.02 into the game, shooting the puck into an open net, after receiving a pass from Tyler Kennedy who was situated behind the goal... with Joey MacDonald, the Wings' goaltender!  MacDonald, suiting up instead of Jimmy Howard (who is also out due to injury), made the mistake of going behind the net to collect the puck, but had his pocket picked by Kennedy, who achieved both his fourteenth and fifteenth assists of the season, all in one night - he also managed to pick up the third star of the match.

  If you're a Pens fan and you were watching the game, you got to witness a real treat!  Eight minutes after Staal opened the scoring, Chris Conner was held on the breakaway, by Kris Draper;  Conner was given a penalty shot.  I know what y'all are thinking; penalty shots and Penguins don't go together... and that would be a justified statement.  We haven't scored a penalty shot since 2007, when Ruutu played in Black and Gold.  But that's the past, and this is now.  Skating down the right side, Conner successfully tricked MacDonald into thinking he was going to us the forehand, before expertly switching to the backhand and slotting the puck between the pads, earning him the second star of the night.  2-0 Penguins!

  To the second period now, and the Wings are rallying to stay in the game.  At 17.28, Johan Franzen, scoring his twentieth goal of the season for Detroit, managed to slip one past Fleury, although not affecting his overall performance - which landed him the first star of the night!  Let's go Flower!

  Although not stealing it completely, Chris Kunitz managed to take some of Marc-Andre's spotlight, by restoring the Pens two-goal lead - just thirty seconds after Franzen had shortened it!  Evgeni Malkin and Pascal Dupuis got a share in the awesomeness that was Chris Kunitz' goal, both getting assists.  But the Pens weren't done; an empty-netter from Matt Cooke, who was assisted by Tyler Kennedy and Brooks Orpik, finished off the scoring for the night. 

  It had been clear at the begging that the Pens were in this to win, and weren't going to show the injury-ridden Wings' team any compassion... I'd bet good money that the Pens are glad that they are back to winning ways, even with Crosby and Ben Lovejoy out for the moment.

  Let's just hope they carry on winning against the Devils on Thursday!  Let's go Pens!

Pittsburgh Penguins @ Boston Bruins 15/01/11

Penguins 3, Bruins 2 - Final

  Well, what can I say about this game?  Five goals, plenty of penalties, a fight and great goal-tending; do I need to say anymore?  I think that about summarizes this match-up.

  The shining stars of this penguins/bruins match-up come in the forms of Jordan Staal and Marc-Andre Fleury.  Staal, playing his sixth game of the season after missing the first thirty-nine due to injury, proved that he is back, in spectacular fashion... He accumulated a goal (his second of the season) and an assist (his third), both of which gained him two points and a +1 rating.  And Marc-Andre Fleury... where to start!

  Not only did the Flower stop a season-high 44/46 shots, he managed to grab himself a spot in the Compuware three stars.  Fleury was on fire, stopping shots that would have beaten most, including a pair of huge, saves, from Dennis Seidenberg, in the final minutes of play.

  The first of the Penguins three goals came from Chris Kunitz, at 10.57 in the 1st period, after Kunitz, Matt Cooke and Jordan Staal played an entertaining game of hot potato, before Kunitz slid it home.  Staal, who got his third assist of the season, received the puck from Cooke -who was fresh out of the penalty box- drew, Rask over to the left, before passing across to Kunitz, who emptied the puck into a relatively empty net - earning his fifteenth goal of the season.

  Although the rest of the 1st period was scoreless, it wasn't uneventful.  With 4.50 left in the period, no. 27, Craig Adams, decided to drop the gloves, with Gregory Campbell - the B's no. 11.  Campbell managed to land a few good blows, knocking Adams to the ice, but he didn't stay down for long.  Adams was back up on his feet almost instantly, turning the tables on Campbell, giving him a seat on the ice.  Both receive five for fighting.

  After an exciting end to the 1st period, Pascal Dupuis kept the atmosphere alive by doubling the Pens lead, just forty-one seconds into the 2nd.  Evgeni Malkin and Zbynek Michalek both picked up assists, Geno with his twenty-first and Michalek with his seventh.  A run from Kunitz gets the puck into the Bruin's end, who passes to Malkin on the right, then to Michalek at the point.  He try's a slap shot, which is deflected but Dupuis is there to slot the rebound in between Rask and the left pipe.  Malkin tries to follow up on the breakaway but his attempt is foiled by Rask, who managed to stop 33/36 shots.

  However, Boston aren't to be underestimated, as we saw on January 10th.  Dennis Seidenberg shot the puck past the Flower at 11.28, with Michael Ryder following in his lead, at 11.41.  At the end of the second period, the score remained tied at 2-2.

  But the Pens weren't going to let Boston get to them.  With Fleury solid in goal, the Penguins worked on getting that third goal... and score they did.  With an assist already under his belt, Jordan Staal shot the puck into the net, just over three minutes into the 3rd period.  The pass coming from Cooke behind the net, all Staal had to do was get it past Rask, which, of course, he did.

  With the Pens in the lead, Boston pounded the Pittsburgh net but Fleury held strong.  Final score: Penguins 3, Bruins 2 - Job Done.

  Who says we can't win without Crosby, who we all hope gets better soon!

Cardiff Devils Fan Forum

 Devils fans were out in force last night as the Devils management hosted a fan forum.  Although, in light of the recent liquidisation of the holding company for the Devils (and the Sheffield Steelers) and the lay-off of many employees, I think it is fair to say that the Red Army wanted answers and would do anything to get them.

  Joining the Devils' owner on the panel were Devils' scout, Brent Pope, and Devils' coach, Gerad Adams.  Also present but seated in the crowd were Devils' players, the likes of Stevie Lyle and Mark Richardson to name only a few.

Cardiff Devils at Cardiff Castle

 Enjoying the sun-filled Sunday, various members of the Elite League's Cardiff Devils were spotted at Cardiff Castle, soaking up the sun and the polo.

  Included in the star-studded group were forwards Sam Smith, Phil Hill, Max Birbraer, Stuart MacRae, Ben Davies and defensemen Alex Symonds.  Also making appearances were goaltender Stevie Lyle (although extremely briefly) and the recently traded American star, Jon Pelle, as well as Devils' scout, Brent Pope.  Joining the players were a selection of the Devils admin staff and several fans.

  Throughout the whole day, the sun shone and the drinks flowed.  With something for everyone, no one was disappointed.  Between the fast-paced polo, the delicious luncheon, the interesting best dressed contest - judged by Alesha Dixon and Sophie Evans - and getting your feet dirty whilst stomping the divots, no one could even find time to complain about the outrageous heat!  Although I'm sure a fair few will be rubbing in the after-sun today...

Cardiff Devils @ Braehead Clan 11/02/11

Devils 1, Clan 7 - Final

  Well, what can be said for this game?  In all honesty, not an awful lot really.

  The first period consisted of one goal - a Braehead goal, from number nine, Bruce Richardson at 1722 - and not much else.  Although there were plenty of shots on goal: Cardiff accumulating fourteen shots, and Braehead slightly behind on ten.  There were a couple of minor penalties but nothing major to report.

  However, in the second period, everything heated up.  The score went up from 1-0 Braehead, to 4-1 Braehead.  The first of the three Braehead goals in the second came from Bostock, on the power-play;  the second came off the stick of Chaumont to beat Stevie Lyle, who blocked 23 of 30 shots against him, the third coming from Landry.  In an attempt to even up the score, Scotty Matzka, with the help of Kenton Smith, managed to get one passed Perras (who stopped 37 of 38 shots against him), to make the score 4-1.

  But it only went from bad to worse when we came out for the third period.  With Canadian giant Brad Voth still in the box due to a roughing penalty from the second period, Cardiff were a player down and Braehead decided to take full advantage.  At 0.49 in the third, Braehead captain Brandon Cook shot one past Stevie.  The score when up again at 13.23, on the power-play again, when Landry netted his second of the night.  Finally, at 15.21, Krestonavich finished off the Braehead scoring, the final score being 7-1 Braehead.

  Although the Cardiff goals were lacking, the boys in read sure made up for it in penalties.  All in all, Sam Smith, Craig Weller and Gerad Adams ended up with two each, Brad Voth and Ryan Finnerty both totaled four, and Kenton Smith managed to get six.  So it was still an interesting game to watch... even though we lost.

Cardiff Devils @ Belfast Giants (EL/CC) 05/02/11

Devils 0, Giants 4 - Final

  What a time to be a Devils fan!  One minute Cardiff are on the up, the next they are being shutout.  Where's the team that won twenty-one games in a row?  We need them now!

  To be honest, it wasn't looking that bad at the end of the first.  With a scoreless first, the Red Army weren't too worried.  And the score wasn't too degrading at the end of the second; only 1-0 Belfast.  Cardiff could easily come back from that.

  It all went downhill in the third.  Cardiff couldn't even put the puck in the net on the powerplay.  Instead, Belfast scored two shorthanded goals, two minutes apart.  It's almost like Cardiff were asleep!

  Shots weren't in the favor of Cardiff either.  Stevie Lyle managed to stop 35 out of 39 shots, whereas the Giants' tender, Stephen Murphy, stopped all 23 of Cardiff's attempts.

  More bad news for Cardiff, when it was announced No. 16, Tylor Michel, was to receive a 5-match ban.  Michel, who received 19 PIMs in the Giants' game, has received the discipline for a sucker punch on a Belfast forward.  But Michel wasn't the worst of the Devils for PIMs; No. 26, Brad Voth (who is well known for racking up the PIMs), managed to accumulate 30 PIMs all by himself.  Both players mentioned above dropped their gloves at one point.

  All in all, not the best game for Cardiff.  To make it worse, it was the first leg of the Challenge Cup Semi-Final as well.  Oh well, maybe we can do better next time.

Cardiff Devils @ Coventry Blaze 30/01/11

Devils 4, Blaze 5 - Final

  What happened to the team that played last night!  To go from a 13-2 victory to a 5-4 loss is scary; how can one team display such different games, within 24 hours?  Oh well, at least it wasn't that bad of a loss.

  It didn't really look good from the beginning; at 3.15 in the first period, Coventry opened the scoring.  It took a while but before the period was through, Cardiff managed to pull one back.  No. 12, Craig Weller - who later went on to get the second star of the night - manged to shoot the puck past Brett Jaeger (who saved 47/51 shots and earned himself the first star), with help of Stuart MacRae and Scott Matzka.

  So by the end of the first period, it was 1-1.  But neither side was happy with that, Cardiff especially.  To settle things out, Devils managed to go ahead for the first time, at 00.51 into the second period.  Stuart MacRae shot one home, on the powerplay, with the only assist going to Jon Pelle.  Cardiff were finally in the lead, but with it being so narrow, could they hold onto it?

  Apparently not.  Three minutes after Pelle put us ahead, the Blaze rallied with a goal of their own.  Carlson succeeded in getting a second past Stevie Lyle, who didn't play in the 13-2 win last night but managed to save 27 out of 32 shots tonight, at 7.13, leveling the score.  But they didn't stop there.  Two minutes later, Owen, who scored the first of the Blaze goals, put another past Lyle, making it 4-3 Blaze.

  With the second period ending at 4-3, the Devils' fans were getting worried.  Not that long ago, we had been in this same situation; and, if I remember correctly, I did say that as exciting as it was, I never wanted to watch a game like it again.  Apparently nobody listens to me...  But anyway, back to the game.  The Blaze obviously decided it would be fun to torment the Cardiff fans a little, by scoring a fifth goal - one which turned out to be the game winner - half way through the third, at 10.42, scored by Nell.

  Proving why he deserved the second star, Craig Weller managed to pull it out of the bag one last time, at 18.44 with the help of Jon Pelle and Scott Matzka (for the second time of the game), but it just wasn't enough to push overtime. 

  The game ended 5-4 to the Blaze, but no worries, Cardiff at still at the top of the League, with three points separating us from Sheffield and Belfast.  But even though they have a game in hand over us, Sheffield won't be able to catch us; we're the Devils and we're going to bring it back!  Good luck against the Panthers on Wednesday, Devils!  Let's Go Devils!

Cardiff Devils vs Edinburgh Capitals 29/01/11

Devils 13, Capitals 2 - Final

  Fifteen goals scored in one game; what an amazing achievement.  Wanna know what makes it more incredible?  Thirteen of those goals were scored by the Cardiff Devils!  They came in the form of a powerplay goal, a shorthanded goal, a hat-trick, and a couple of doubles.  All-in-all, a good night for the Red Army.

  It was clear by the end of the first that Cardiff were running away with this one.  With the first few minutes going by uneventfully, Devils' No. 5, Mark Smith, opened the scoring at 5.43, with Jon Pelle and Max Birbraer both earning their first (of many) assist of the night.  Cardiff then went quiet for just over ten minutes, before Brad Voth doubled the lead.  At 18.48, with the help of captain Ryan Finnerty and Tylor Michel, the Canadian giant fired the puck into the back of the net, on the powerplay, earning him his thirteenth of the season.  Not even a minute later, Voth was followed up by Phil Hill, who, at 19.16 with Finnerty getting his second and Voth his first assist of the night, fired one home, to make it 3-0 before the break.

  With everyone, players and fans alike, buzzing from the excitement of the first period, the second period couldn't come soon enough.  These next twenty minutes were going to see seven goals in total, although not all were from a Devils' stick, one being the first of a hat-trick.  At 4.41, Max 'Boom Boom' Birbraer got himself on the score sheet (for a goal this time), with Jon Pelle getting his second assist and Scott Matzka earning his first, to make the score 4-0.  Cardiff kept the momentum going, with Stuart MacRae scoring the first goal of three, at 5.58, Tylor Michel getting his second assist and player/coach Gerad Adams following just one assist behind.  The third goal of the period came of the stick of Ryan Finnerty, with goaltender Joe Myers, who played for the full sixty minutes and saved 14 out of 16 shots, and forward Sam Smith both getting their first assists' of the night.

  It wasn't all plain sailing in the second though.  I guess that the Caps didn't like being walked all over.  And being 6-0 down didn't seem to slow them.  At 9.02 Neil Dolan got one back for the Scottish side, alternate Jeff Hutchins following in his footsteps just a minute later, to knock the defeatist down to eight.  But it was definitely too late for those two goals to do any damage to Cardiff's game.

  At 12.51 in the second, Scott Matzka increased the lead to 7-1, Jon Pelle getting his third assist and Max Birbraer his second.  My guy Sam Smith then followed his lead at 15.22, with assists for Gerad Adams and Tylor Michel, rounding off the period with an 8-1 lead.

  Before I even go into the goals in the third period, I'd like to point out that only three Cardiff players didn't get on the score sheet in one way or another, although it wasn't for lack of trying.  I don't know what Gee has been saying to these guys in practice but whatever it is, it worked.

  But back onto the third; getting his second of the night, No. 15, Scott Matzka, opened the third period scoring at 2.19, with Max Birbraer earning a hat-trick in assists and Jon Pelle getting his fourth!  And it didn't stop there.  Stuart MacRae, also getting his second, fired the puck pasted Jens Van Pouke - on his debut for the Edinburgh Capitals, stopping 55 shots out of 68 - assists going to Sam Smith and Tylor Michel.  The latter, No. 16 Tylor Michel, got himself a goal to go with his selection of assists, at 8.28 - assists going to Sam Smith and Stuart MacRae.  This also earned Tylor his 100th EIHL career competitive point and eleventh goal of the season. 

  With over half the period gone, and an incredbile lead of 11-2, the Devils didn't slow.  Brad Voth continued on with his great night, earning himself another goal, at 11.14 in the third - Ryan Finnerty and Phil Hill both getting assists.  To round off the night, Stuart MacRae got himself a hat-trick, scoring a short-handed goal at 18.02, with the help coming from Sam Smith - getting his fourth of the night - and Craig Weller.

  Cardiff are now five points clear at the top of the Elite League and it is obvious that they aren't going anywhere; what a time to be Devils' fan! Good luck tonight boys, against the Blaze!

Cardiff Devils @ Sheffield Steelers 12/01/11

Devils 7, Steelers 1 - Final

  21 games vs 7 games; which streak will be broken?  We all know that the Cardiff Devils are the team to beat at the moment; with a 21 game win streak, they are soaring.  On the other hand, we have the Sheffield Steelers.  Having just been bought by Devils Owner, Paul Ragon, can the Steelers live up to their name and steal the streak?

  There was so much hype around this game, the outcome was kinda disappointing.  You'd have thought that Sheffield would have put up a bit of a fight.  Cardiff had the game pretty much won by the end of the first period, already leading 4 goals to 1.  The first goal, of many, came from the one and only Craig Weller, ex-NHLer.  With help from Scott Matzka, No. 12 sent the puck rocketing into the back of the net at 5.04.

  Four minutes after Weller opened the scoring, Brad Voth started what was going to be a good night for him.  His first goal came in at 9.49 in the first period, assists coming from captain Ryan Finnerty, who also found time to get into it a little with a roughing penalty, and (my favorite) Sam Smith.  Voth was followed up two minutes later, by player/coach Gerad Adams.  He sent the Devils' third goal into the back of the net at 11.38, in the first period, with the help of Brad Voth and Phil Hill.

  But at 3-0 down, Sheffield were going to try and go down fighting.  At 14.36, Joey Talbot scored past Stevie Lyle, on the powerplay - making the score 3-1.  Is it going to worry the Devils?  Of course it isn't.  To round off the period, Jon Pelle got in on the action, obviously feeling left out, and fired one home, the only assist going to Scott Matzka, at 18.09, whilst Cardiff were on the powerplay.

  The second period was one for the Smith's.  At 4.56, Sam Smith, No. 11, scored on Mustukovs (the Steelers' tender), the assists going to Stuart MacRae and Tylor Michel.  Whilst on the powerplay, at 17.37, Kenton Smith, No. 27, got involved and shot one into the back of the net, with help from captain Ryan Finnerty and defensemen Craig Weller, who was having a brilliant night.

  Developing that strong lead in the 1st was a smart move by the Cardiff Devils.  Although there were some goals in the 2nd and 3rd period - the game winner coming from Brad Voth, assists going to Sam Smith and Craig Weller, at 11.38 in the third - the Devils were more focused on keeping the lead.  Throughout the entire second and third periods, the Devils only allowed the Steelers to have nine shots on goal; of course, the legend that is Stevie Lyle, who saved 19/20 shots, denied all nine.  Sheffield made themselves look even worse when they had Jeff Legue kicked out of the game for making an obscene gesture in the 56th minute.

  I guess Cardiff looked like the stronger team from the beginning, and I would say that if they had lost this one, hell would definitely have frozen over.  But, however, the Devils are still on fire... literally!

Cardiff Devils vs Nottingham Panthers 02/02/11

Devils 6, Panthers 5 - OT Final

  If you ventured down to the Cardiff Arena to watch Devils take on the Panthers, then you were in for a nail biting game.  With an overtime win, the Devils only just manage to cling on to those precious two points.

  With no major penalties throughout the game, the only think keeping the fans going were the eleven collective goals scored.  It was Cardiff who opened the score sheet, at 3.33 in the 1st period, coming from Mark Smith, assists going to Captain Ryan Finnerty and Forwar Jon Pelle.

  Even with the home advantage and getting the first goal, Cardiff didn't end the period on a good note.  With Nottingham scoring on Stevie Lyle (who saved 21 out of 26 shots against him) three times, with the goals coming from Beauregard (6.16), Lachowicz (12.40) and Hereema (15.07), the first period ended with the score 3-1 Panthers.

  Three minutes into the second, Cardiff were three goals down, after Panthers' Myers put the puck past Lyle.  But the Devils weren't going down without a fight.  Six minutes after Nottingham's fourth goal, at 9.11, Cardiff brought the difference back down to two, when Jon Pelle got his first of the night, assists going to Craig Weller and Stuart MacRae, on the powerplay.  Cardiff's second powerplay goal came at 16.36 in the 2nd, from Weller, assists from Jon Pelle (who had an amazing night) and Stuart MacRae, making it a one-goal game.  Score at the end of the second: 4-3.

  The third period finally saw the Devils outscoring the Panthers.  Nottingham scored first, at 4.32, but Cardiff were determined.  Two brilliant goals from Jon Pelle, one at 5.00 and the other at 9.43, leveled out the score, forcing overtime.

  So with the score level at five a piece, the crowd waited with baited breath to see who would get the win.  And they didn't have to wait long; On the powerplay, at 1.10, Jon Pelle scored his fourth of night, earning Cardiff the two desperately needed points!

Cardiff Devils @ Hull Stingrays 23/01/11

Devils 3, Stingrays 1 - Final

  And the wins keep on coming!  Can the Devils possibly be starting another winning streak?  Only time will tell with this team.  But back to the game on hand, a win was certain.

  Although the Hull side weren't as easy to dispose of as the Braehead side the night before, Cardiff managed a pretty comfortable win at the Hull Arena.  As per usual, Jon Pelle got us off to a great start, scoring on the powerplay just 3.47 into the first period.  Coming off a good night beforehand, with a goal and an assist, Stuart MacRae added a second consecutive assist, along with Scott Matzka.

  Cardiff's success did not stop there.  Although the rest of the first period was scoreless, MacRae, bettering his game again, scored just 0.15 seconds into the 2nd.  He shot the puck into the back of the net with the help of Tylor Michel and Kenton Smith - who had a fantastic game the night before, with some great defending and breakaways.  However, the 2-0 lead the Devils had built was shorten by one at 11.38 when the Stingrays defensemen Read managed to get one back against Stevie Lyle (who would later receive Cardiff's Man of The Match award).

  To set us up for an incredible third period, your Captain, Ryan Finnerty, just had to round off the second period with a brawl!  Finnerty, known throughout the league for his fighting abilities, and his opponent, Craig Mitchell, both received five for Fighting, although Mitchell served an extra two for Cross-Checking - which is what led to the fight anyway.  Finnerty was just looking out for his team.

  Carrying on from Finnerty, the rest of the Devils just had to one-up him.  The only way to do that?  Score a goal that would ensure our victory.  And that's what they did.  At 2.38 in the third, Mark Richardson got a hold of the puck and it wasn't going anywhere but the back of the net.  Not wanting to be left out of the last goal, MacRae just had to get involved, followed by Jon Pelle - who had scored the first goal.

  So Cardiff come out on top against - and maintain a three point lead at the top of the League, with a guaranteed spot in the quarter-finals of the play-offs!  Let's go, Devils.

  Don't forget to buy your tickets for the next home game, against the Edinburgh Capitals, for Saturday 29th January - the day before the All-Star Game for those of you who follow the NHL!

Cardiff Devils vs Braehead Clan 22/01/11

Devils 4, Clan 0 - Final

  Back to winning ways!  After a disappointing loss last Sunday, and a tight draw on Wednesday, Cardiff were back on form on Saturday, Stevie Lyle getting his fourth shutout of the season!  He successfully blocked 21 shots, making the winner of the Shirt Of His Back competition an extremely happy woman.  Up there with Stevie, was Craig Weller, earning the Devils' Man of The Match award.

  For anyone who was at the Cardiff Bay Arena, you will know it was a brilliant night.  Starting the night off with a bang, in comes Brad Voth.  At 4.26, with the help of Captain Ryan Finnerty and Coach Gerad Admas, Voth opened up the scoring for Cardiff.  The goal was amazing as usually - although we don't expect anything less from the 6'5" giant.  The Red Army was on their feet, screaming the roof down!  We even had a rendition of "Shoe in the air if you love Brad Voth".  You can't imagine the stink after that one finish!

  At 11.39, the Man of The Match doubled the lead.  Weller was assisted by Tylor Michel and Stuart MacRae, AKA Nova Scotia.  So not only does he do a great job of defending the Red crease (and looking after Stevie), but he also scores goals!  Definitely M of M material!

  At the end of the first, Cardiff were leading with a 2 goal advantage.  Question: can they hold onto the lead?  Of course they can!  In fact, the Devils' are so brilliant that they add to it!  Jon Pelle, assisted by Scott Matzka, fired the puck into the back of the net, at 9.56.  The Devils were now 3-0, and showing no signs of stopping!  Could anyone (apart from Dundee) stop them???

  The Clan Captain was having a good ol' go.  No. 18, Brendan Cook, was lucky he wasn't on the ice bleeding.  From my seat, two rows back in Block 15, I could see the steam coming out of certain players' ears - Ryan Finnerty and Brad Voth.  Cook was pushing, shoving, trying to pick a fight with everyone and anyone.  Finally, enough was enough; he took it too far when he got too close to Stevie Lyle for Gerad Adams' likings.  At 10.16 in the third period, both Adams and Cook went up on the board, two minutes for Roughing, after Cook plowed into Stevie Lyle.

  Although that ghastly player did managed to snatch the Man of The Match award for the Braehead Clan, the Devils managed to get back at him a worse way that beating him in a fist fight - although I would have found that more entertaining.  At 3.59, Stuart MacRae increased our lead to 4-0, Tylor Michel getting his second assist of the night, along with Mark Richardson.

  So, all in all, a damn good match.  Kick yourself if you missed it; but don't forget to get your tickets and go and cheer on the Devils at their next home match, against Edinburgh Capitals, on Saturday 29th January - the day before the All-Star Game, for those of you who follow the NHL!

Cardiff Devils vs Nottingham Panthers (CC) 19/01/11

Challenge Cup - Devils 3, Panthers 3 - Final

  Devils are looking up with this tie, which puts us through to the last four, after their first loss in twenty-two games on Sunday night.  The whole of the Red Army were praying prior to the game, hoping that the Devils kept their heads up and didn't let Sunday's let down get to them.  And that's just what they did.

  In the first period, it looked as if Sunday never happened.  Cardiff came out and went straight on the offensive; within two minutes, Jon Pelle had given us the lead, with his thirty-eighth of the season!  He had a little help from Max Birbraer and Scott Matzka, but managed to slot the puck behind Kowalski (who ends up saving 38-41 shots).  Six minutes later, Craig Weller, living up to his Ex-NHL status, adds another, doubling our lead.  Things are looking up for the Devils, Sunday just a long forgotten memory.

  However, Devils fans don't get excited just yet.  At 15.47 in the 1st period, Galbraith opened up the scoring for the Panthers, by shooting the puck past Stevie Lyle.  At the end of the first period, the score remained at 2-1.

  Now I can guess what you are thinking; 2-1 up at the end of the first, we're flying.  Only, we're not.  Everything went downhill in the second period.  We ended up going from 2-1 up to losing 3-2 at the end of the second.  This was due to a powerplay goal, coming from the Panthers' Neilson at 10.40.  Not happy with the current tie, Nottingham pushed it one further, and took the lead.  Their third goal of the game came from Hereema, at 13.53, and was a shorthanded goal.

  At the start of the 3rd, things weren't looking too hot for Cardiff.  They were losing 3-2, after leading 2-1 at the end of the first.  Every shot they had failed to make it past Kowalski, but that didn't stop them from trying.  They tried and tried and tried; Kowalski faced 41 shots from the Devils.  It was only in the last thirty seconds that we managed to get one through.  Craig Weller, hero that he is, managed to send the puck flying past Kowalski at 19.30, forcing a tie and gaining us second place in Group B, and a place in the final four.

  Semi-finals have been announced: Cardiff have got Belfast, on the 5th February, Away (which will double as a league match), and on the 16th February, Home.  I'd hurry if you want tickets, they'll sell out quickly!

Cardiff Devils @ Dundee Stars 16/01/11

Devils 1, Stars 2 - Final Shootout

  And it comes to an end... A twenty-two game win streak down the drain!  And to who, you may ask? The Dundee Stars!  The Stars are near bottom and the Devils, who beat them 7-1 last Sunday, failed to defeat them.  What has this world come to?

  It was nerve-wrecking in the Dundee Ice Arena, with the first two periods scoreless.  And it wasn't for lack of trying; both the Devils and the Stars were shooting the puck, but both -tenders were solid in their nets.  Cardiff were out-shooting the Stars but the puck just wouldn't go in.  With no major penalties, the first two periods were pretty uneventful.

   Then comes the 3rd... Every fan in that arena holding their breath, eager to see who would get the goal.  And it would seem the Red Army were the ones to breathe a sigh of relief.  That relief came in the form of Stuart Macrae, no. 18, six minutes and eighteen seconds into the 3rd period, with an assist from Jon Pelle.  The Devils were leading with five minutes left in the 3rd!  Surely they could hold out for five minutes, right?

  Wrong... Although I don't doubt his brilliance, Stevie Lyle, who picked up the 1st star of the night, chose the wrong moment to let the puck slip through his grasp.  At 17.14, Peter Cartwright, of the Dundee Stars, equalized.  With two minutes, fifty-six seconds remaining in regular time, the Red Army waited with bated breathe, to see if the Devils could pull it out of the bag, and win their twenty-third in a row.

  But their hope was in vain.  Regular time ended and overtime passed scoreless; into the shootout we go...

  The Devils' first shooter was Scott Matzka, his shot failing to reach the back of the net; up first for the Stars was Brent Hughes.  Fortunately for Cardiff, he also failed in trying to get past Stevie Lyle.  Then came Jon Pelle; another miss.  For them, Dan Cerman.  Hope remained in the hearts and minds of the Devils' fans when his attempt also failed to make the grade.  Devils faith now rested with Max Bribraer.  In yesterdays match-up against the Blaze, Max failed to score a penalty shot.  Now was his time to make up for it... but he also misses.  The only thing that could save the win streak now, would be for Jay Latuilppe, the Stars third shooter, to miss, forcing another round.  Only, there is no such luck.

  So, a tough loss -the first in twenty-two games- for Cardiff.  However, it's not all bad news.  Devils remain at the top of the Elite League, presently three points clear of Belfast, after tonights game.

  But Cardiff are strong and will bounce back with a vengeance... I almost feel pity for the Nottingham Panthers, as they might be met with a force to be reckoned with, when they journey to Cardiff on Wednesday.

  We can only hope... 

Cardiff Devils vs Coventry Blaze 15/01/11

Devils 5, Blaze 4 - Final Overtime

  Have you ever watched something so enticing, so enthralling, so entertaining, that it felt like your heart would cease to beat at any moment?  That's what awaited me at the Cardiff Bay Arena last night, where the Cardiff Devils were all set to continue their winning streak against the Coventry Blaze.

  With an ever fierce rivalry - and a twenty-one game win streak - the atmosphere was almost certain to be hair-raising... and it didn't disappoint.  Not only were the Red Army out in full force, but the Blaze had also wrestled up some extremely vocal fans.  Everything up until this point was sure to make for a fantastic game... or should I say, five-tastic game!

  Devils managed to pull off five amazing goals; four of them in regular time (scored by Max Birbraer (35.30), Phil Hill (37.57), followed by his second (47.58) and also with his second, Max Birbraer (49.27).  With this showstopping performance, Birbraer managed to pick up the Man Of The Match award for Cardiff.)  But even with these four fantastic goals, the Blaze managed to find four of their own (Dan Carlson (28.53), Ross Venus - scoring only 28 seconds after Max Birbraer equalized- (35.58), Brad Cruikshank (45.43) and Aaron Nell (55.50)), and forced the game into sudden-death overtime.

  But fear not, as the Devils only allowed fifty-seven seconds - and what a heart-stopping fifty-seven seconds they were - of play to commence.  That short-but eventful-space of time saw a Blaze breakout, executed by Dan Carlson (who originally opened the scoring), one that allowed Stevie Lyle to showoff his brilliance between the pipes, getting his whole body behind the puck and stopping it before it fully crossed the line.  This was just one in the long line of brilliant saves made by both goaltenders; Brent Jaeger even managed to pick up the Man Of The Match award for the Blaze, stopping an incredible fifty-four shots out of fifty-nine, whereas Stevie Lyle managed to stop twenty-one out of twenty-five.

  After almost losing their record breaking win streak, the Devils stepped up the pace.  Control came in the form of Craig Weller, who claimed the puck from face-ff and made sure it went down the ice.  Once his job was done, Weller dropped the puck to Ryan Finnerty and the rest was history; the Devils getting their twenty-second win in a row.

  All in all, an amazing game to witness... but then, Devils/Blaze match-ups always are!  Keep an eye for the next blog... and Good Luck Devils on Wednesday, against the Nottingham Panthers, in the Challenge Cup!  If you haven't got your tickets, get them now!  Puck-drop is at 7.30pm....