Devils 3, Steelers 5 - Final
Coming off a 4-0 victory over the Steelers last night, everything seemed right for the Cardiff Devils tonight. Heading up to Sheffield with high hopes for a four-point weekend, everyone was excited. With the Wales Rugby Team beating Samoa this morning, it was destined to be a Welsh Weekend; unfortunately, not everything could go our way.
As they have for the last few games, things started out well. 1:49 in the first period, young Brit Ben Davies set fellow Brit Sam Smith up with an incredible pass, and he put it in the back of the net, giving the Devils a 1-0 lead earlier on. The first continued with many chances for both teams, and several minor penalties for both teams. Despite a couple of power-plays, the Devils couldn't extend their lead, but also managed to fend off the Steelers on the few power-plays they got, Stevie Lyle making some amazing saves. First period ended 1-0 Devils.
The second saw the Steelers hit back with two goals of their own. Their first, both in the period and in the game, was scored by new Player/Coach Ryan Finnerty, with the second coming from Clark five minutes later, making the score 2-1. But the Devils weren't beaten yet. Just over two minutes after Clark slid one past Lyle, Phil Hill, who had a great night last night after netting two of the Devils' four goals, broke away whilst shorthanded and managed to lift the puck past DeCaro. With the score now level, both teams were fighting for that extra goal. Luckily for the Red Army, it came off the stick of Devils' Man of the Match, number 93, Jeff Pierce. Second period finished 3-2 Devils.
In came the third and out went the Devils. Leading the game 3-2, all the Devils had to do was hold on for twenty minutes. And they did a good job of trying for the first twelve. Unfortunately, at 52:07, Jason Hewitt equalized for Sheffield. With their luck turning, the Steelers were on a roll. Despite the Devils' defense trying their hardest, and doing well for the most, Mike Ramsey also slotted one passed Lyle, just over a minute after Hewitt. For the last seven minutes, Cardiff tried their damnedest to get through the Steelers' defense and passed DeCaro, but unfortunately DeCaro was a brick wall! Just to round off the night, Steelers' RW Ramsay added a second to his tally, whilst the Steelers were shorthanded. Final score Devils 3, Steelers 5.
Despite the score on the board at the end of the sixty minutes, the Devils are definitely playing better. Two points is better than none. Next game is on Saturday, back at the BBT, where the Stingrays will be coming to town! Turns out we may even have Max back! Let's Go Devils!
