Cardiff Devils vs Dundee Stars 30/10/11

Devils 2, Stars 3 - SO Final

  Coming off a victory over the Coventry Blaze last night, the Cardiff Devils were ready to face the Dundee Stars.  Hoping for a four point weekend, the boys were raring for a good game and a good result.

  The teams came out fighting.  Not only were both teams sent to the box for several minor indiscretions, such as holding, slashing, etc, power-forward Max Birbraer managed to get himself a ten-minute misconduct (19:58).   With all the power-plays going, someone was sure to put the puck in the back of the net.  Unfortunately for the Red Army, it was the Stars that managed to capitalize on the man advantage.  At 12:05, Brennan Turner, who saw more of the penalty box than the ice the last time these two teams met last week, shot the puck passed Stevie Lyle, scoring the only goal of the period.

  The intense play continued through into the second period.  With more penalties being handed out, it was rare that either team at a full five players on the ice at any one time.  In addition to the penalties, Brennan Turner also extended the Stars lead to two (30:02).  Desperate to remain in the game, the Devils fought back and Scott Matzka managed to get one in the back of the net (39:54).  Both teams continued to try and get another goal before the end of the period, but all that was awarded was a ten-minute misconduct for Chris Frank.  End of second period, 2-1 Stars.

  Into the third and the Devils were desperate to level the score.  So desperate in fact, that it only took 42 seconds for Scott Matzka to find his way through Dundee's defense and put the puck in the back of the net.  With the score level, both teams were determined to get the next goal.  Throughout their fight to get the goal, Chris Frank got himself a holding minor, plus a Game for abuse of official; Hutchins and Dobben also got minor penalties.  The powerplays did not help either team and the period finished 2-2.  The Stars go into the OT period with 1:53 powerplay time, as Dobben was sent to the box at 59:53.

  Despite the eagerness both teams had to put rubber in the net, neither team succeeded in scoring the OT goal, so the game went to shootout.  First up, Max Birbraer misses, but his Dundee counterpart, Brent Hughes scores.  Devils' next shooter Scott Matzka also misses.  Much to the disappointment of the Devils, the next Star shooter, Lee Mitchell, scores, and Dundee wins.

  Devils' next game is on Saturday, against the Nottingham Panthers, at the BBT.  Make sure you're there supporting the boys!  Let's Go Devils!