Devils 4, Panthers 1 - Final
Just like we all knew they would, the Devils served the Panthers their just desserts tonight. Revenge was sweet with a 4-1 final score, and the Panthers left buried in the boards were just a bonus. From the great defence to the aggressive forwards, Cardiff were a completely different team.
Although the first period ended scoreless, there were definitely some incredible plays made by both teams. At both ends, goaltenders Stevie Lyle and Craig Kowalski made some spectacular saves, with lightening fast gloves and pads, each earning themselves the corresponding man of the match award. Mark Richardson, number 17 for the Devils, demonstrated excellent defensive manoeuvres, using his body, stick and skates. As with the defensemen, the forwards were definitely playing a different game.
Unlike in last night's game, when he was described as timid, Phil Hill was one of the most aggressive players on the game, earning several trips to the penalty box. Also showing his somewhat aggressive nature was Canadian Brad Voth, who traded insults with Panthers' player Guillaume Lepine, who had been the thorn in Voth's side for most of last night's game as well. Although Devils' fans were spared from the refereeing of Mick Hicks for a second straight night, there were some unjust penalties called throughout the first.
The second saw the need fro the twine in the back of the net. With three of the five total goals being scored in the second, it was starting to heat up. The first goal of the night came off the stick Panthers' number 5, David Clarke. But, in light of the defeat handed to the Devils last night, they weren't going to let the rivals get too far ahead. Little over a minute later saw Devils' number 8, Tim Burrows, bury the puck in the back of the net behind Kowalski. With just over 10 minutes left in the second, new signing Jeff Pierce sent the puck into the twine to double the Devils' lead.
With the boys 2-1 up at the end of the second, there wasn't a Devils' fan in the Tent without a smile on their face. These gleeful smiles turned to full out grins when another new Devils' signing, Scott Dobben, added yet another goal. Jeff Pierce finished the night off with his second, with just 2:39 left in the game.
So with a win under their belts and a smile on their faces, the Devils saluted their fans before leaving the ice. The next match is against Belfast on Saturday 10th September, at the BBT. Let's Go Devils!
