Cardiff Devils vs Nottingham Panthers (L) 08/12/2012

Devils 2, Panthers 3 - SO Final

  After a thrilling double over Sheffield last weekend, which also ended in a shootout, the Red Army were up and raring to go - the Panthers in from the North this week.  Cardiff were missing a few key players on Saturday night, Birbraer to injury, Bissonnette to illness and Harding to international duty so it was definitely going to be an interesting match.

  It was a slow game to start, with various penalties for both sides in the opening twenty.  Both sides saw some chances in the first but neither were able to capitalise, taking the 0-0 deadlock through to the second period - where Cardiff Captain Stuart MacRae scored a shorthanded goal, just eleven seconds in (after Devin Didiomete was sent to the box for cross-checking at 1845 in the first, which automatically ran over into the second when the buzzer rang).

  With the home side in the lead, spirits were high...but the Panthers weren't going to let that stand.  Just two minutes later, Gulivan added Nottingham's first, levelling the score at one a piece.  The fans then saw a few more penalties, including a delay of game from Kenton Smith - allowing fellow teammate Mac Faulkner to add a shorthanded goal of his own to once again give the Welsh side the lead.

  Things were looking steady, but Gui Lepine managed to add a controversial equaliser in the last minute.

  Despite Didiomete scoring a third Devils' goal in the final twenty, the score remained at 2-2 until the end of regulation, after referee Mike Hicks ruled no goal and the game was forced to go to overtime.  The extra five minutes saw a solid effort from both sides, and some near misses but that final goal was just out of reach.

  Cardiff started the shootout well, with a goal from Blight.  Nottingham answered quickly - Francis scoring two to gain his team the extra point.

  Just the one game for Cardiff this weekend but we have a hockey filled weekend ahead, with the Devils playing three games in three days....Starting with a visit to the O, where they will take on the Belfast Giants.  After Nottingham's success this weekend, Belfast were knocked off the top of the table and will be desperate for the win to set that right.  If you're not heading over to Ireland, don't forget to follow along at Match Night Live for all your game updates!  Let's Go Devils!

Cardiff Devils vs Sheffield Steelers Double-Header 01/12/2012-02/12/2012 (L/CC)

Saturday 1st December - MotorPoint Arena (L)
   
     Devils 3, Steelers 2 - Final

Sunday 2nd December - Cardiff Bay Arena (CC)

    Devils 7, Steelers 6 - SO Final


  Saturday night saw a travelling Red Army, as the Devils headed up to Sheffield for the first of a two part double header.  With new-old-signing Mark Richardson back in a Devils' jersey and fan favourite Max 'Boom Boom' Birbraer back from suspension, it was sure to be a great match.

  The Devils started off slowly, going behind just six minutes in  - Ashley Tait the scorer for the home side.  The Steelers continued on and added a second a few minutes later, Drew Fata scoring on the power play after Devils' no. 24 Devin Didiomete was sent to the box for tripping.  Jason Hewitt also took a trip to the box for hooking at 1040, but Cardiff didn't get on the board until 1825, when Birbraer announced his return in style.

  As normal, the second showed a slower side to the team, and two penalties - the captain for slashing and the bench for too many men.  Despite gaining the advantage twice, the Steelers failed to capitalise and the score remained at 2-1 going into the third.

  It was all about the visitors in the third, with Cardiff scoring twice to take the lead, and eventually the game.  Despite the probable agitation he felt for a 'Simmsey slip-up' on his name,  MAC Faulkner scored two gaols in ten minutest to earn himself MOM and the Devils' those all important league points.

  With a jubilant attitude which can only come from a fantastic win the night before, the Devils' welcomed the Steelers in the BBT on Sunday for a challenge cup match up - despite being unable to progress no matter what the final score.

  For the fans that made the trip up on Saturday they would have experienced a bit of deja vu, with the Steelers taking the lead six minutes in.  With Birbaer out with an ankle injury, despite only returning from suspension the day before, the Devils were looking a bit slow.  But after Sheffield's Thomas was sent to the box for holding, Ben Davies levelled the score on the power play with seven minutes left to play in the first.

  Despite being held off to just the one goal in the first, Sheffield came out fighting, scoring a short handed goal two minutes in - whilst Tait sat in the box for tripping on behalf of Decaro.  With the score at 2-1 in favour of the Steelers, and the outcome of little consequence to the Devils, Osaer was replaced with Joe Myers, who received a large cheer as he stepped into the net.

  Ref Dean Smith saw some abuse and saw fit to throw Stephenson a ten minute misconduct at 2825, giving captain Stuart MacRae the chance to level the tally on the power play.  Fata regained the lead for the visitors but again Macrae pulled it back before Tyson Marsh gave the Devils their first lead of the game just before the buzzer rang, the home side taking a 4-3 lead into the final period.

  Phil Hill continued the momentum for Cardiff, extending their lead to two, before Hewitt brought on back for the English side.  With just seven minutes left in the period, Limpright and Shields scored two in quick succession to retake the lead.  But with a lucky turn of events MacRae added his hat tick goal in the final minus to force a very tense overtime - in which neither team managed to score the winner.

  So off to penalties it was and a nervous Red Army were watching with baited breath.  After several misses and a goal each for MacRae and Shields, it was up to Blight and he didn't disappoint.

 7-6 SO the final score and a pair of wins over the Steelers for Cardiff.  Let's Go Devils

Cardiff Devils vs Coventry Blaze (L) 25/11/2012

Devils 5, Blaze 2 - Final

With hearts heavy from the previous night's loss, Cardiff fans and players alike were desperate to bring in those crucial league points. With the Blaze in town for the first time since the Brawl in the Bay, it was set to be a not-to-be-missed game!

Just like Saturday night, fans were welcomed with a slow first period, with a couple of penalties throughout. The same can be said for the first ten of the second.

However, despite the slight sense of deja vu, the crowd was in for a treat come the 30th minute. Already a fan favourite, NHL lockout signing Paul Bissonnette boosted his fan base, scoring the first of the Devils' five goals, the assist going to Mac Faulkner. Brit Adam Harding, who has just been called up to represent on the U20 GB squad, added the Devils' second just over a minute later.

Blaze's G Leeb answered with a goal of his own, but Captain Stuart MacRae was quick behind him to keep the Devils' two goal lead going into the third.

After a penalty for either side at the start of the period, MacRae added his second of the night - a powerplay goal, assisted by Blight and Bissonnette. Coventry were desperate to get back into the game but had been struggling to contain 'Biznasty' all night. After relying on their top line for most of the evening, they managed to pull one back but their hopes of stealing the points were put out when Blight scored an empty netter in the final minute.

Even a bout of handbags couldn't earn the Blaze anything, except a roughing minor and the game finished 5-2 in favour of the home side

It was a turbulent weekend but Cardiff came away with much needed points and are now looking forward to next weekend when they face the Sheffield Steelers in a double headed, home and away weekend. Let's go Devils!

Cardiff Devils @ Nottingham Panthers (L) 24/11/2012

Devils 0, Panthers 5 - Final

The Cardiff Devils suffered a devastating blow to their league campaign on Saturday night, as they travelled up to Nottingham - only to be subjected to a 5-0 thrashing.

Things started slowly for both teams, a penalty a piece the only thing to report. Both Clarke and Faulkner spent time in the box for hooking but neither side could capitalise in the man advantage.

The Panthers came out quickly in the second, scoring on the powerplay in the second minute (Piggot was in the box for hooking). They doubled this lead after Kenton Smith found himself in the box for the same offence.

The home side scored twice more in the second, one being a powerplay goal after Mark Smith was sent to the box, again for hooking. With the momentum flowing, the Northern side travelled into the third with a 4-0 lead.

With heads down early on, the Devils were unable to prevent a fifth Nottingham goal, but bucked up their ideas for the final ten. With some good chances in the dying minutes they were unlucky, Kowalski staying strong in the Panthers' net. Although he did earn himself a 2+2 for roughing, after a tussle with Didiomete - who also received the same.

With a long trip home, the Devils had to shake off the loss. Hopefully playing in front of a full capacity crowd, the Red Army were welcoming (or not) the Coventry Blaze into the BBT on Sunday night- where they were hoping to get revenge for that game a few weeks; you know the one! Let's go Devils!

Cardiff Devils vs Belfast Giants (L) 18/11/2012

Devils 4, Giants 3 - OT Final

Coming off a thrilling 9-1 domination of the Dundee Stars the night before, the Cardiff Devils were raring to go, as they got ready to go to war with league leaders Belfast Giants. The BBT was rocking and the chances of a four point weekend were high!

The game proved to be s physical one from the start, with both sides landing some big hits. We saw a couple of holding penalties from either side but nothing major. The Giants' Darryl Lloyd got the game going properly with the first of the two Belfast goals in the first, with Craig Peacock following with the second five minutes later.

Despite having a good first period, the Devils slumped in the second, resulting in several penalties, giving Belfast captain Adam Keefe the chance to lengthen their lead, which if course he did. With the Giants' 3-0 lead and Bari Mackenzie going off injured with a suspected ripped abductor muscle, it was not looking good for the Welsh side going into the third.

Despite a worried home crowd, Cardiff were not down and out. With Clarke in the box for hooking, NHL signing Paul Bissonnette proved once again what a star find he is, scoring the Devils' first on the powerplay, opening the onslaught of Devils' goals!

Following his Canadian teammate's lead, Josh Batch, who has proved to be a very successful power forward, sent the puck top shelf to make it a one goal game. To heighten the excitement, Mac Faulkner levelled the game with just eight minutes remaining. There were some handbag exchanged, Deeds and Keefe in the middle of it all.

Neither side managed to get that winning goal within regulation, so off to overtime we went. But the Red Army had no reason to worry; with his second goal of the evening, Mac Faulkner, earning himself the 1st star of the night, scored the GWG just 2.38 into the five minute extra period, securing those precious two points and completing the Devils' four point weekend.

After a thrilling run this weekend, the Devils will be looking to continue it through next week, with an away trip to Nottingham on Saturday, before returning home on Sunday to face the Coventry blaze, a match that is sure to set tempers soaring. Book your tickets early so you don't miss out! Let's go Devils!

Cardiff Devils @ Dundee Stars (L) 17/11/2012

Devils 9, Stars 1- Final

It was a ten-goal thriller up at the Dundee Ice Arena in Saturday night, as the Cardiff Devils made the long ten hour 'blane' journey to face the Dundee Stars, dominating the Scottish side with a 9-1 win.

The visiting side started quickly, establishing a three goal lead just ten minutes in. Captain Stuart MacRae gave the Devils their first, scoring his fourth shorthanded goal of the season. D-man Kenton Smith followed this up with his first of the season, Chris Blight rounding off the first period scoring with his first of the night.

There were a couple of Dundee chances but Mark Smith and his fellow D-men were all well up to the task of holding them at bay.

The second period started and it was physical from the offset. Both sides re throwing big hits and big shots, desperate to get whatever they could on the net, but both tenders were up to the early onslaught. The Stars managed to pull one back, with Rhyanen scoring at 26.34, tipping in a hard pass from the point. Despite this snippet of success, Cardiff were not going to let the home side back in, and continued to add to their total throughout the remaining 30 minutes of play.

Before the end of the second, the welsh side had increased their lead to 7-1, resulting in a netminder change for Dundee, with goals cming from Faulkner, Bissonnette, MacKenzie and Davies respectively. Considering they had just travelled a gruelling ten hours in a cramped coach to get up to Scotland, the buys were playing like they'd just woken from a 10-year slumber!

It wasn't all good news in the third; after a quiet opening ten, Devils' resident rule breaker Devin Didiomete was thrown out for receiving a second 10 minute misconduct, the first occurring during the second period.

Despite the disturbance in the bench, Cardiff kept their heads up and both Blight and MacRae scored their second of the game, in the dying minutes, to give the Devils a final score of 9-1... And the chance at a 4 point weekend as they travelled home to face the league leaders the Belfast giants. Let's go Devils!

Cardiff Devils vs Fife Flyers (L) 11/11/2012

Devils 4, Flyers 0 - Final

It was certainly a remembrance day to remember down in the BBT in Sunday night! The Red Army saw the home debut of new NHL signing Paul Bissonnette, as well as the return of the guy everyone loves to hate, Devin Didiomete. The Flyers were in town and the 4-0 was a score the Welsh side could be proud of!

With Max Birbraer still serving his ban, and selling 50/50 tickets round the rink, and Hill and Marsh both absent from the bench due to international duty and injury, it was clear to say that the Devils were missing some key players from their line up; it certainly didn't stop them though. Determined to prove their point and show that they were still a force to be reckoned with, they came out quickly. The Devils' own genius Luke Piggot put the Devils on the board with a fantastic one-timer, taking advantage of a Davies' rebound. The Devils quickly extended their lead, after Brit Ben Davies scored, taking advantage while Fife's Horne was in the box for tripping.

Chris Blight rounded off the period with the Devils third of the night, tipping the puck past Pitton after coach Gerad Adams took a shot from the point, giving the home side a 3-0 lead going into the second.

No goals for either side during the second but we did see plenty of penalties. The first of the five 2 minute minors went to our own Devin Didiomete - but what would a Cardiff game be without Deeds keeping his seat warm in the box, eh? Fife served a couple of minors, as well as Ben Davies, before Deeds rounded the period off with an interference minor that was carried through into the third. Cardiff started the third on the penalty kill, but were untroubled for most the disadvantage. The Red Army saw a couple more penalties, including Didiomete earning himself a double minor for roughing and x-checking, before Paul Bissonnette, who received a standing ovation from the Cardiff fans before the game started, added his third goal in as many games (which increase his points total to 5 in 3 games, after earning an assist earlier in the game), giving the Devils a four goal lead with his shorthanded wonder shot.

Despite all attempts Fife could not get back in the game, and those all important league points were awarded to the Welsh side.

After playing just the one game this week, the Cardiff Devils travel up to Scotland to face the Dundee Stars on Saturday, before returning home to face Adam Keefe and his Belfast Giants on Sunday. Both are games that no one wants to miss so even if you can't get down to the games, follow along at Match Night Live on The Inferno. Let's go Devils!

Cardiff Devils @ Edinburgh Capitals (L) 04/11/2012

Devils 2, Capitals 4 - Final
 
  After a thrilling 7-5 win over the Braehead Clan on the evening prior, the Cardiff Devils were disappointed to only be returning to Wales with those two points, after suffering a 4-2 defeat to the Edinburgh Capitals on Sunday night.

  Despite a slow start to the season, the Capitals came marching out of the starting blocks, with Hartmann and Cingel putting them 2-0 up, all before the five minute mark, Hartmann scoring on the power play, Devils' forward Adam Harding in the box for hooking.  Both teams saw some penalties after the Edinburgh goals but neither managed to add to their tallies before the buzzer rang.

  The second period was a lot quieter, with just a penalty for each team... But the Red Army definitely had something to cheer about.  Just 1.24 into the period, new signing Paul Bissonnette scored his second goal in two games, putting the Devils on the scored board for the first time in the game.  Unfortunately, despite numerous chances, neither side added any extra goals.

  Penalties were the in thing during the third, leading to both the home and visiting sides scoring a power play goal.  Caps struck first, with Jarolin their scorer adding their third goal and reestablishing their two goal lead from earlier in the game.  However, just eight minutes from time, Chris Blight shortened the scottish side's lead.  It was looking like another comeback for the welsh side, but in an attempt to even the score, they pulled Osaer for the extra attacker - and Jarolin managed to put Edinburgh out of reach with an empty net goal just 24 seconds before the buzzer rang.

  With a proud Red Army following them home, the Cardiff Devils are not playing on Saturday, so make sure you get down to the BBT on Sunday, to watch Paul Bissonnette make his home debut against the Fife Flyers.  Fill The Tent! Let's Go Devils!

 

  

Cardiff Devils @ Braehead Clan (L) 03/11/2012

Devils 7, Clan 5 - Final

  It had been a hard week for the Cardiff Devils, what with losing three of their key players to suspensions and injuries, then suffering a disappointing loss to the Hull Stingrays - resulting in a Challenge Cup knockout in the group stages.  Despite everything, morale was high, with the news of the new NHL signing Paul Bissonnette lifting heads.  The Devils really pulled it together on their first Scottish game of the weekend.

  Fans and teams from across the league had been voicing concern this week for the new Cardiff Devils; but Bissonnette definitely put all worries to rest when not only did he conduct himself calmly and efficiently, but always scored his first EIHL goal on his first shift, putting his new team ahead just 1.12 into the game.  Braehead followed it up pretty quickly that up with a goal of their own, Chaumont getting the home side on the board.

  The action continued for the rest of the period, with Devils' penalties and goals galore.  The period saw penalties from Mackenzie and Osaer, who was having an off night.  In addition, the Devils also managed to put themselves ahead by a further three goals, coming from MacKenzie and MacRae, who scored both an even strength and a short handed goal - earning himself the Man of the match award for his excellent play.  Finally, in the second half of the period, Clan pulled Zemlak and replaced him with Mike Will, but nothing could help.  First finished 4-1 Devils.

  With Zemlak back in goal for Braehead, the second was a less hectic.  Both team's defence took a hit during the second, making a couple of mistakes.  The Clan were definitely back in the game, adding two goals in quick succession to bring them within one, but not soon after, Cardiff Brit Ben Davies gave the Devils' their fifth goal of the night, rounding the period off to have a 5-3 lead going into the third.

  There were some worrying times for travelling Red Army fans during the third period - with the Clan scoring another two goals in quick succession, bringing the scored tied to 5-5 with 15 minutest to play.  The arena saw a couple of penalties, from both teams.  But Devils' fans were not to fear, their team was determined.  With seven minutes to go, power forward Phil Hill gave the Devils the lead again, with Mac Faulkner sealing the deal with a shorthanded, empty net gal just 6 seconds from time.

  So despite all the adversity the team has faced this week, they pulled together and came out on top, giving their fans a fantastic show in the process.  Cardiff continue their Scottish doubleheader on Sunday night against the Edinburgh Capitals, hoping to bring home those all important two points and make it a four point weekend!  If you haven't been able to travel up across the border, don't forget to follow along at Match Night Live, or watch live on the Capitals webcast.  Let's Go Devils!

Cardiff Devils vs Hull Stingrays (CC) 01/11/2012

Devils 3, Stingrays 4 - Final

  It was definitely a tale of two halves on Thursday night down in the BBT.  On one side, the Cardiff Devils were defeated 4-3 by the Hull Stingrays, confirming that they are now out of the Challenge Cup for this season, a disappointing blow after a week of troubles for the Welsh club.  However, Devils' CEO Paul Ragan announced the club's new signing, straight from Phoenix, AZ, Paul Bissonnette, giving the team and their fans the boost they needed after the EIHL divulged that the match penalties given to Cardiff on Sunday night will stand, and, in some cases, be extended.

  But back to the game; despite the exciting news of the NHL Coyote joining the Devils' ranks, Cardiff did not get off to a great start.  Throughout the entire first period, it was end to end action, with the visiting team capitalising on their chances first.  Just six minutes into the game, former Devil Jason Silverthorn put his team ahead, the assist going to the Ondrej.  They quickly followed this up for their second goal just three minutes later, coming from Tendler.

  With just the one penalty in the first period, neither side really had a solid advantage; the scoreboard told a different story.  With the two early period goals, and a late goal, coming from third star Tanaka, the Rays sailed into the second, carrying a three-goal lead - it was not looking promising for the home team, the win being crucial to get those all important points to carry Cardiff through to the Quarter Finals of the Challenge Cup.

  The boys had definitely left themselves with a lot of work, that hole going deeper as Tom Squires added the Rays' fourth goal just four minutes into the second twenty.  But the Devils were not down and out just yet...With two brilliant power play goals, Chris Blight and Gerad Adams managed to brings the Devils back within two goals, scoring two beautiful goals just four minutes after one another.  With the fire ignited, the Devils continued to push for the remainder of the second, coming through to the third with just two goals in it.

  Both teams were now giving their all, and the BBT was rocking.  Cardiff gave their Red Army more reason to cheer, with a third power play goal coming from EIHL player of the month Mac Faulkner, bringing the game back within one goal.  By now, the respective goaltenders were standing on their heads, doing everything to keep the puck out of their nets, and both sets of defence were demonstrating their skills.  After many chances and body blocks, it was down to the final 70 seconds and the Cardiff goaltender, Phil Osaer, was on the bench.  Despite the extra attacker, Hull were determined and the clock slowly turned down to zero, with the Hull Stingrays going through to the Quarter Finals of the Challenge Cup, a 4-3 away victory under their belts.

  With the Challenge Cup knockout heavy on their hearts, the Devils take that long blane journey up to Scotland this weekend, for a Scottish double header against Braehead (Saturday), and then Edinburgh (Sunday), where hopefully the Devils new signing will be making his away debut!  Many fans are making the trip up across the border, but if you aren't able to make it, don't forget to follow along at Match Night Live, on www.the-inferno.co.uk.  Let's Go Devils!

Cardiff Devils vs Coventry Blaze: Disciplinary Findings

Sunday night saw two counts of disappointment for Cardiff Devils’ fans; after two hard fought games, the Coventry Blaze stripped the Devils of four crucial challenge cup points.  Unfortunately, the blunders did not end at the final buzzer.

Tension rose during the third, with Devils’ forward Max Birbraer being assessed for a match penalty, after a check to the head on Blaze defenseman Benn Olson, at 12.26.  For this Birbraer received an automatic five match ban, and was thrown out of the game.  The Elite League Disciplinary Council have confirmed this ban and ruled that it cannot be appealed.

As the conflict escalated after the final buzzer, during the tradition team handshakes, Birbraer was awarded an addition match penalty for leaving the dressing room after being thrown out of the game and rejoining the action on the ice, earning himself, originally, an extra game ban.  However, on deliberation, the Disciplinary Council have ruled that leaving the dressing room constitutes an automatic three match ban, increasing Birbraer’s total ban to eight matches.  As with number 23’s original match penalty, the Cardiff Devils Organisation cannot appeal against the ruling.

Fan favourite Devin Didiomete of the Cardiff Devils also received a match ban in all the action.  After receiving a fighting major and being escorted off the ice, Didiomete came to the defense of his bench coach, Neil Francis, and rejoined the altercation.  This led to him being assessed for leaving the dressing room, resulting in a three match ban that has been confirmed by the Elite League.  As with Birbraer’s penalties, Didiomete cannot appeal against this ruling.

With two of their power forwards out, Cardiff did not need any more misfortune.  Unfortunately, bench coach Neil Francis has been included in the penalised and been given a match/game penalty for travesty in the game, leading to a one match ban.  In addition to this, the Elite League have extended Francis’ ban by four games, his total ban lasting over five games. 

So, in total, the Welsh side will lose Birbraer for eight games, Didiomete for three and Francis for five, putting the Devils at an extreme disadvantage over the course of the following games.

On the other hand, after being at the centre of the controversy and engaging in an extremely unnecessary exchange with a Cardiff fan, who has now had his game privileges revoked for the remainder of the 2012/2013 season and all following seasons until 2017, was assessed a match penalty for incident with a spectator.  It has been decided the penalty is unjustified, therefore has been removed from Olson’s records and no further action will be taken.

Coventry received no other match/game penalties or bans during the event.

In addition to all bans and penalties mentioned above, the Elite League are further reviewing incidents that took place off-ice on Sunday night and will present their findings and a further statement in due course.  For comments from the Elite League on the penalties awarded, click on the link below to go to the official statement:

http://www.eliteleague.co.uk/elite-league-discipline-p179983

To view any and all statements made by the Cardiff Devils’ Organisation, click the links below:

http://www.cardiffdevils.com/news/devils-news/cardiff-devils-club-statement/

http://www.cardiffdevils.com/news/devils-news/cardiff-devils-club-acts-following-altercations-after-sunday-s-game/

http://www.cardiffdevils.com/news/devils-news/elite-league-and-investigation-update/

Cardiff Devils @ Coventry Blaze (CC) 27/10/2012

Devils 1, Blaze 2 - Final

  After a thrilling third period win on Thursday, the Red Army travelled to Coventry on Saturday night with high hopes of their Cardiff Devils continuing their win streak.  Unfortunately the Blaze were feeling hot and powered through to gain those precious two points, putting them all the more closer to the Challenge Cup quarter finals.

  There were some early minor penalties for both teams, followed by some exciting end-to-end action and the usually physical play when these two teams come together.  Zed physical play let to a 2
+10 for Benn Olson, with a cross-checking minor and misconduct for checking from behind.  The Red Army saw an improved Devils' power play but the Welsh side were unable to capitalise on the advantage.

  With the Devils' Brit line (Davies, Harding, Piggot) giving Hirsch problem, it was only a certain amount of time until the scoring started.  Having been worn down by the Devils forecheck, Hirsch had his own players getting in the way, after a slip up from Olson led to a chance for Cardiff power forward Max Birbraer putting the visitors ahead, just in time for the end of the period.

  Not a team to lie down easily, Coventry came out fighting for the second; just three minutes in, Shea Guthrie had scored an equaliser - this coming after some four on four hockey, with both teams having players in the box.  Coventry's physicality continued as Giudice earned himself a 10 min misconduct and a game misconduct for abuse of official, after pushing a linesman for calling an offside.  After a few more minors for both sides, the Blaze managed to push ahead, with a PPG coming from Schutte.
 
  Off to the third and it was now or never for the Cardiff Devils.  The Blaze started the period on the power play, after a late second period call on Max Birbraer.  The Devils stepped it up and defended well, keeping Coventry from increasing their lead.  The rest of the period flew by quickly, with the Devils pulling Osaer - but having no real effect.  Final score 2-1 Blaze.

  The Coventry Blaze travelled to the BBT on Sunday night for the return leg of this double ended Challenge Cup weekend, rounding off the weekend with a 3-2 win over the Cardiff Devils - meaning they took all four points and travel through to the quarter finals of the Challenge Cup.

  Don't forget to head down to the BBT on Thursday, as the Hull Stingrays come to town!  If you can't make it, follow along at Match Night Live on The Inferno.  Let's Go Devils!

Cardiff Devils vs Dundee Stars (L) 25/10/2012

Devils 4, Stars 2 - Final

  Despite a less than stellar crowd, the Cardiff Devils managed to pull off a show-stopping third period on Thursday night, defeating the Dundee Stars 4-2 in the BBT.  

  It wasn't looking promising for the Welsh side, with the Stars starting the scoring just 37 seconds into the game, Bagron the scorer.  With their confidence knocked, the Devils continued slowly throughout the rest of the period, with no goals going up and the Stars dancing passed to take a shot at Osaer.  The Devils brightened up towards the end of the period, forcing some chances on net, and taking some penalties, but nothing would stick and the period finished 1-0 Stars.

  After a late first period penalty from the Devils, Dundee went the power play early on in the second, capitalising on the advantage to give themselves a two-goal lead.  Cardiff had some power play chances themselves, but failed to pull one back, despite their play picking up towards the end.  End of second: 2-0 Stars.

  With Ripel demonstrating why he is the second most played goaltender in the league frequently throughout the game, it wasn't any wonder why the Red Army were starting to get a bit antsy.  The home side had begun to pile the pressure on the Canadian net minder, a goal was imminent but fans were expectantly nervous.  It wasn't until Mac Faulkner had levelled the score, with goals coming at  42.40 and 45.05, that the Cardiff fans could finally have a bit of breather.  

  With fresh legs, Cardiff pushed on, their physicality showing through.  With a couple of penalties putting the Devils are a slight disadvantage, it looked like it would be going to OT but the guys stepped it up.  Five minutes left in the game and Max Birbraer put Cardiff ahead for the first time in the game, scoring on a turnaround shot.  Desperate to hold the lead, the Devils gave it their all, but had to finish up the game with a man disadvantage, as Captain Stuart MacRae was sent to the box with just 20 seconds remaining.  It was all or nothing, especially with the Stars pulling Ripel in favour of an extra attacker.

  It was scrappy and very lucky, but the Devils managed to put the puck in the back of the net for a fourth and final time, Chris Blight scoring a short-handed, empty-netter with just two seconds left on the clock!  Man of the match awards went to Nic Ripel and Max Birbraer and the game finished with a final score of 4-2 Devils.

  With all the excitement of the midweek game, don't forget about the amazing weekend of hockey coming up.  The Cardiff Devils travel to the Skydome on Saturday (FO 7pm) for the first in a double headed weekend vs the Blaze.  Return leg to be played in the BBT on Sunday (FO 6pm).  If you're not taking the trip up with the Red Army, you can follow along at www.the-inferno.co.uk/match-night-live for the 'ridiculously childish' and 'disgustingly biased' MNL service, providing all scores and updates throughout both games.  Let's Go Devils!

Cardiff Devils vs Nottingham Panthers (L) 21/10/2012

Devils 2, Panthers 1 - Final

  After playing their best game of the season so far, the Cardiff Devils grabbed those all important two pints, defeating the Nottingham Panthers 2-1 last night at the BBT.  Having played hard but been disappointed on Friday, after a devastating challenge cup loss to the Sheffield Steelers, the Devils were desperately in need of a confidence boost and this nail-biting comeback victory was just what the doctor ordered!

  It was a nervous sixty minutes for both sides, playing a tight, physical game.  Powerful hits were being thrown from each side of the blue line, with some pushing and shoving being thrown in as well.  Play was even, with neither net minder having to face predominately more shots, and both were having a fantastic game and held off until the end of the period, the score still tied at 0-0.

  Panthers were quickly off the mark in the second, with David Clarke sending the puck over Phil Osaer's right shoulder to give the visitors the lead.  Both teams had several chances but Kowalski and Osaer were back on top form and nothing was going through.  With a few penalties being traded back and forth, the period finished 1-0 Panthers.

  Penalties played a big part in the final period.  With both of the Cardiff goals coming on the power play, from powerhouse forward Max Birbraer, the Devils definitely used the man advantage well.  Cardiff managed to hold their lead into the final few minutes, when Nottingham pull Kowalski for an extra attacker, also using a timeout to formulate a plan of attack.  Unfortunately for the northern side, Cardiff were determined and were not letting the puck anywhere near the back of the net.  End of the game: 2-1 Cardiff.

  With the Devils now raring to go with new-found-confidence, they will be looking ahead to Thursday, when the Dundee Stars come to town.  Puck drop is at 7:30pm, make sure you get down to the BBT to support the welsh side!  Lets Go Devils!

Cardiff Devils @ Sheffield Steelers (CC) 19/10/2012

Devils 3, Steelers 4 - SO Final

  With the release of d-man Jamie Milam during the week, the Cardiff Devils were determined to demonstrate that they were turning a corner last night, as they travelled up to Sheffield for their next challenge cup fixture.  Having only won one out of three prior to last night, Cardiff were sitting in fourth in Challenge Cup Group B and were desperately in need of the points.

  The Devils started strong, with good chances and hard hits coming from all players.  With the big hits being reciprocated by the Sheffield side, fans were calling it a game of 'high intensity'.  This back and forth action continued until Cardiff's number 27, Kenton Smith, was sent to the box for hooking, just after the 12th minute.  Devils' killed off the penalty, continuing the game until Smith's brother, Mark, was put in the box for interference at 19:18.  With the Welsh side short on a D-man, the Steelers' capitalised, with Drew Fata scoring their first at 19:34, on the power play.  He then finished up the period in the penalty box (hooking @19:59).  So, despite the good, even start, Cardiff went into the second trailing by one.

  Having the man advantage, the Devils came out fighting, with resident power forward Max Birbraer embedding Steelers' Shawn Limpright into the ice.  They followed that up with an even strength goal by Brit Ben Davies, timed at just passed the 22 minute-mark.  With the Devils equalising and still looking strong, Sheffield retreated to their half, looking fierce in defence.  Despite this, Cardiff managed a second goal, putting them ahead for the first time, the goal coming from Marsh at 25.24.

  The fans got to see some big hits some both sides in the second half of the period, but the Steelers also managed an equaliser of their own, with Limpright being credited despite the puck going in off a Devils' skate.  Steven Goertzen put them ahead just over two minutes later, bringing the score up to 3-2 Steelers by the end of the period.

  It seemed to be a slower start for the Devils going into the third, with Sheffield camping out in the Devils' defensive zone.  After the slow start, they started to make some progress, getting shots off when possible and knocking NHLer Tom Sestito to build morale.  Number 24, Devin Didiomete, responsible for the hard check on Sestito sat a bench penalty for the travelling team, before coming back onto the ice to assist on the Devils' equalising goal - which was scored by captain, and man of the match, Stuart MacRae.  Cardiff continued to battle hard through the last few minutes but were unable to pull anything out of the bag.  End of regulation: 3-3.

  With neither team grabbing that final point in OT, the game went to penalty shootouts, with every member of the Red Army holding their breath.  It was looking good, with Chris Blight scoring on the first shot, and Limpright not equalising until the third round.  Unfortunately, Steelers Drew Feta came back to score the winner in the fifth, after missing in the second.  Final score 4-3 Steelers, and the Devils head back to Cardiff with just the one point.

  We're back in the league on Sunday, with the Nottingham Panthers travelling to town.  After losing 4-2 in our last meeting, Cardiff will be fighting it out in revenge, giving their all to gain those precious two league points.  Puck drop is at 6pm, so make sure you get down to the Bay and support the guys!  Let's Go Devils!

Cardiff Devils @ Belfast Giants (L) 13/10/2012

Devils 3, Giants 6 - Final

  It will be a disappointing flight home for the Devils’ fans that travelled across to Belfast to watch Cardiff take on the Giants at the Odyssey arena.  6-3 was the final score, with the home side coming out on top.

  Devils were quick off the mark, starting the scoring at just 2.22, their first coming from Tyson Marsh, the only assist going to Man of the Match Phil Hill.  Unfortunately, this early lead only gave the Giants the motivated they needed and within 60 seconds of the opening goal, Belfast captain Adam Keefe had equalised.  His team rallied behind him and by the time the clock hit 10 minutes, the Giants were 3-1 up, Champagne and Rycroft scoring respectively. 

  Fouriner added a fourth to Belfast’s tally just after the 16-minute mark.

  After being out muscled throughout the first, it was time for the Welsh side to pick up their game and show their fans a good time.  And boy, did they ever…. Despite the Giants playing a slightly better class of hockey, Cardiff proved they were not down and out, scoring twice in quick succession during the second minute of the second period.  A powerplay goal from Devin Didiomete, followed up by a powerful shot from Phil Hill got the away block roaring. 

  With the deficit cut down to one, Cardiff were energised enough to hold off the Giants, finishing the period just one goal behind the home side.

  If things were looking up, they didn’t last long.  Cardiff definitely stepped it up in the third, playing a better style of hockey, but Belfast were right there with them.  Clarke added the Giants’ fifth goal just  minutes into the period, with Keefe scoring his second of the night just five minutes later.  Devils looked to be in with a chance when Darnell awarded a penalty shot after a trip on breakaway, but, after a slip-up by Davies, Cardiff failed to capitalise and the game finished 6-3.

  With no Sunday game this week, the Devils have penalty of time to rest and recuperate from this devastating loss, and will hopefully be ready to show that they are back on form on Friday (19^th October), when they head to the Motorpoint to face off against the Sheffield Steelers.  Puck drop is at 7.30pm, but if you can’t make it up, you will find live updates at Match Night Live (http://www.the-inferno.co.uk/mnl/).  Let’s Go Devils!

Cardiff Devils @ Coventry Blaze (L) 07/10/2012

  Devils 4, Blaze 3 - OT Final

  

  Off to Coventry on Sunday were the Cardiff Devils and on par for a four point weekend!  After a thrilling 2-1 home win against the Sheffield Steelers, the Welsh side were all set to bring home those all important points.

  The Devils came out fighting, with some good chances early on.  The game was looking to be a physical one, with penalties coming for both teams, and Coventry’s Olson playing forward, hitting every Devil in range.  Cardiff managed to level him with an early first period goal, coming from fan favourite Max Birbraer, who was fresh on the ice after a three game suspension.

  The physical penalties continued and the Blaze starting applying the pressure on the powerplay.  Despite this, goaltender Phil Osaer stayed strong and the period finished with the Devils holding that one goal lead.

  Even with the Blaze carrying the man advantage into the second, after Mac Faulkner was penalised at the end of the first, the Devils came out strongly.  There were some big hits and breakaway chances, before Cardiff finally sealed the deal and added an extra to their lead, again coming from Max Birbraer.

  Unfortunately, the Blaze were not down and out; after former-Devil Sam Smith was sent to the box, Guthrie managed a shorthanded break, and slotted the puck past Osaer.  Second period finished 2-1.

  The third was full of penalties and full of goals.  With penalties coming from both sides, it wasn’t surprising that the goals would follow.  The first side to capitalise was the visitors, giving Cardiff a 3-1 advantage.  Coventry then followed this up with one of their own.

  With the score holding at 3-2, it seemed that Cardiff were going to clinch the points in regulation.  However, in a shock turn of events, Mike Bayrack evened the score with just over a minute remaining in the period. 

  With the Blaze forcing overtime, everyone in the Skydome was on the edge of their seat.  Cardiff seemed to dominate, pushing Hirsch to make several fantastic saves, before finally adding that all-important game winning goal, curtesty of Tyson Marsh. 

  Riding the high, the Devils will be in Belfast next Saturday (puck drop: 7pm) and the Red Army will be crashing into the O!  If you’re not travelling over, be sure to follow along with Match Night Live!  Let’s Go Devils!

Cardiff Devils vs Sheffield Steelers (L) 06/10/2012

Devils 2, Steelers 1 - Final

  Cardiff would have been full of celebrating Red Army fans last night, as the Devils stormed past the Sheffield Steelers in a physically thrilling win.  After several poor shows and disappointing results, Gerad Adams and Neil Francis have been calling for patience from their fans, and that patience has paid off!

  The Devils started brilliantly, with Devin Didiomete coming to life, sporting an early charging penalty.  The penalties continued to come throughout the period, and the rest of the game, before Cardiff finally capitalised on the man advantage.  At 11.02, Phil Hill shot the puck back door and put the Devils ahead whilst Stephenson was in the box for tripping.  The final few minutes past with a couple of penalties, and a brilliant display of goal tendering from the Steelers’ DeCaro.  In the end, the first twenty finished 1-0 Cardiff.

  It was a slow start to the second period, with Sheffield delaying their return to the ice.  However, as soon as the puck drop, it was all guns blazing.  Just two minutes in, Brit Josh Batch earned himself a 2+10 for a check to the head, after flooring former-Devil Tylor Michel.  The physicality continued as both sides were penalised for roughing, and hooking. 

  Just like in the first, Cardiff’s goal in the second came on the powerplay, after Stephenson was sent to the box again, this time coming from Mac Faulkner.  After Faulkner beat DeCaro on his glove side, the Steelers’ tightened up their defense and managed to push up, and slot one past Osaer, putting them on the board just minutes before the end of the second.

  Sheffield were out late again coming in to the third, with Michel missing from the line up.  Both tenders were forced to pull a few saves but neither team were able to add to their total, giving the Devils a rare regulation win. 

  Following last night’s home win, the boys are hoping to carry on their success in Coventry tonight, where they will face Paul Thompson and his Blaze side, which contains former-devil Sam Smith.  If you’re not heading up, make sure to follow the guys’ progress at Match Night Live on The Inferno.  Let’s Go Devils!

Cardiff Devils @ Nottingham Panthers (CC/L) 02/10/2012

Devils 2, Panthers 4 - Final

  It was a disappointing result for the travelling Cardiff Devils’ supporters last night, as the visiting Red Army suffered a devastating 4-2 defeat to Corey Neilson and his Nottingham side.  Although Neilson, as well as several other Panthers, did not ice – due to injury- the Panthers looked incredibly strong throughout the game.  Whether it was due to the return of Gui Lepine or the fact that Anthony Stewart, NHL forward, made his home debut for the club, they demonstrated why they were crowded the Playoff champions last year.

  Nottingham got things off to a quick start, with Ling scoring his first of three, showing off why he was awarded the Man of the Match award, just six minutes in.  A couple of penalties for both sides followed, although neither was able to capitalise on the advantage.  There seemed to be a lack of the physically behind the Welsh side, maybe due to the fact that hard hitter Max Birbraer is still out on suspension.  The period finished by for Ling’s second goal, putting Nottingham two goals ahead going into the second.

  At the beginning of the second, it seemed that Cardiff were turning the tables, with hot shot Mac Faulkner scoring in the 22^nd minute to bring his team back into the game.  A bit of action followed as goal-scorers Faulkner and Ling partook in some handbags, but nothing really came of it.  But it seemed that the Panthers weren’t going to let anything disrupt their night.

  Just four minutes after the Devils’ first goal, Francis added to the Panthers’ total, giving them a 2-goal lead over Cardiff.  They continued to dominate but, despite several powerplay opportunities for both teams, the score stayed at 3-1 going into the final twenty.

  The third was definitely one for the threes; just three minutes in, Ling scored his third goal, giving Nottingham even more breathing space with a three-goal lead.  The Devils managed to close the gap to two, after Phil Hill slotted one passed Kowalski, but could not get level or push ahead.  With an fantastic display of defending from tender Osaer and brother Mark and Kenton Smith, the Devils’ managed to scrape through without any other goals.  Final score in the NIC: 4-2 Panthers.

  Despite the loss last night, the Red Army are shaking it off, and looking forward to the weekend, when we take on the Sheffield Steelers at the BBT (Puck-drop: 7:07pm).  Get down to the bay and cheer on our boys!  Let’s Go Devils!

Cardiff Devils vs Edinburgh Capitals (L) 29/09/2012

Devils 4, Capitals 1 - Final

  Coming off a difficult loss to the Belfast Giants on Thursday night, the Cardiff Devils were back at home last night, facing off against the Edinburgh Capitals.  After a tough few days of recovery, the Cardiff side knew they needed to step it up. 

  The game started with an immediate 5-on-3 advantage for the home side, but unfortunately they were unable to convert.  The Devils’ continued to exert pressure, forcing save after save from Edinburgh tender Craig Holland.  They finally managed to convert just before the 15 minute mark, via a short-handed goal from Mac Faulkner, who is proving to be a fantastic asset for Cardiff, the pass coming from Devin Didiomete.

  The Devils’ continued outshoot the Capitals for the rest of the period but Holland was immoveable – first twenty finished 1-0 Devils.

  Second period saw several early penalties for the Devils, with Osaer proving that he deserved his second star status.  The end to end action passed by with nothing noteworthy to report, until Cardiff Captain Stuart MacRae doubled the welsh side’s lead.  They continued to push for that third, with several brilliant passes coming from Faulkner but nothing could penetrate Holland.  2-0 at end of the second.

  Off into the third and it proved to be feisty.  The fans were welcomed back into the game with Didiomete dropping the gloves against MacIntyre, after being on the receiving end of a check off the puck.  Both received fighting majors and an additional minor each.  The Devils’ had Holland all but standing on his head after the two fighters returned but could not get anything through… The same could not be said for Osaer.  Capitals’ Zemberge managed to bury one in the Cardiff net, getting the visitors on the board, at 52.15.

  The Capitals’ glow didn’t last long; just under a minute later, Faulkner scored his second of the night, giving the Devils’ a 3-1 lead going into the final six minutes.  Just to round off the night, Didiomete finished his Gordie Howe hattrick by burying Cardiff’s fourth goal, with Faulkner assisting.

  A solid improvement by the Cardiff side, but with their next game away against the Nottingham Panthers on Tuesday, who will have revenge on the mind after last Sunday’s 6-5 Challenge Cup defeat, add to this their new NHL-lockout signing Anthony Stewart making his debut for the northern club this weekend, the Devils will definitely have to take their game up a notch this coming week! We all know that they will rise to the challenge; Let’s Go Devils!

Cardiff Devils vs Belfast Giants (L) 27/09/2012

Cardiff 0, Belfast 4 - Final

  It was time for the Red Army to mobilise once more as the Belfast Giants came to town last night!  After a thrilling 6-5 overtime victory over the Nottingham Panthers, which had everyone in the BBT biting their nails in anticipation, morale has been lifted in the Bay and everyone was excited to see the Devils fight it out for those crucial points.  Can they pull off another fantastic performance?

  The first period didn't start off as most in red would have liked; with an early powerplay goal from Rycroft putting the Giants ahead, things were quiet.  The home crowd were treated to some huge hits, by fan favourite Max Birbraer and serial chirper Devin Didiomete, which got the Red Army roaring but the period finished with just the one goal, despite the large amount of shots taken by both teams.

  Having clearly put the first period behind them, the Devils' came out for the second looking more confident in themselves.  The passing had greatly improved and the Giants' goaltender Stephen Murphy was putting on a brilliant display, whilst trying to keep his team ahead.  End to end action followed throughout the early stages of the period, with the Giants beginning to exert more pressure on the South Wales side.

  While the passing had improved from the first, it was the power play that suffered during the second.  The Devils were gifted two advantages in quick succession around the 25 minute mark but failed to capitalise on the chance, with the Giants having some good shots on goal despite being a player down!  This domination continued as the Giants were awarded a few power plays of their own, with Devils' fans watching on as referee Mike Hicks rewrote the rule book, putting Cardiff's Didiomete in the box for 'Clipping', Kenton Smith following behind shortly after.

  Birbraer continued to rouse the crowd with some extremely powerful hits but Murphy was immoveable in the Giants' net, so the period finished with the Giants still leading by one.

  The luck was definitely on the side of the Irish, with a succession of early third period goals putting the Belfast side four goals ahead, leaving Cardiff a lot of work to do if they were willing to fight for those all important points.  Fans and players from the Welsh side were looking lost entering the final five minutes, everyone praying that they would be able to pull something out of the bag.  Unfortunately, any attempts were too little, too late and the Giants' skated away with the points.

  Despite the disappointment, the Cardiff Devils will be shaking off the loss and throwing themselves back onto the ice on Saturday 29th September, when the Edinburgh Capitals cross over the Welsh border.  There's everything to play for and looks to be an interesting game.  Puck drops at 7pm, make sure you're there to support the boys!  Let's Go Devils!

(Can't make the game?  Follow along at www.the-inferno.co.uk/mnl for match night updates!)

Cardiff Devils vs Nottingham Panthers 23/09/12 (CC)

Devils 6, Panthers 5 - OT Final

  We were back in the BBT last night with the Cardiff Devils facing off against the Nottingham Panthers.  With the Devils getting off to an unsettled start this season, the Red Army were definitely looking for a big win against the age old foe from the North.  Coming off an overtime loss to Coventry in the Skydome on Saturday night and desperate to break a four game losing streak, the South Wales side had everything to play for.

  Cardiff came out strong, with Captain Stuart MacRae giving Cardiff the advantage after just 42 seconds!  New signing Devin Didiomete added to the excitement with some of those hard hits that Devils' are famous for, giving the crowd in the BBT something extra to cheer about.  Unfortunately, the Red Army was quieten momentarily when the Panthers equalised, via David Clarke, in the third minute.

  Although the scoring stayed level for the duration of the first period, it was not a boring period by any means; within the first five minutes, we'd already seen Devin Didiomete smash Lachowicz all the way into next week and match up against Lee in a brawl-style fight.  It seemed that rough was the name of the game in the Bay, with several roughing penalties following the Didiomete/Lee fight, as well as some aggressive slashing and cross checking.  This was definitely not a game to be missed.

  The second period was slightly calmer, despite the crowd being ignited for each of the three Devils' goals scored throughout the second twenty minutes!  Both goaltenders performed brilliantly, giving the crowd a show they aren't likely to forget anytime soon.  From the get-go in the second, the Devils' were emitting immense pressure on the Nottingham tender, Craig Kowalski, and he was all but standing on his head in a desperate attempt to keep the score level.  His efforts, however, did not prove successful, especially when Mark Smith put the Devils' ahead once more, just after the 25 minute mark.  He was soon followed by Mac Faulkner and Max Birbraer, all contributing into getting the Devils' three goals ahead going into the third period.

  The Devils' went on to score another goal in regulation, with Chris Blight finding the back of the net with just over five minutes left in the period.  Unfortunately, Nottingham seemed to have found their flow and the goals would not stop coming.  The Northern side managed to slip four goals past tender Osaer, coming from Werner, Myers, Lachowicz and Ling respectively, to even it up before the end of regulation.

  Despite the Panthers' new-found energy, Cardiff managed to cling on, calling a time out just after Benedict was sent to the box for hooking, using their time to come up with a successful plan to get the puck in the back of the net.  For the second time, first star Chris Blight came to the Welsh side's rescue, getting them that overtime goal that had been alluding the side for the past four games.  Second and third star when to Devils' Davies and Panthers' Myers.

  The guys now have a few days to recover before the Giants come crashing into the BBT on Thursday night (puck drop: 7:30pm).  Tickets are on sale now for what is sure to be an exciting match up between the two long time rivals.  Let's Go Devils!

Cardiff Devils vs Coventry Blaze 10/03/2012

  Hockey night in Cardiff and the Red Army welcomed (or not) the Coventry Blaze into the BBT for the usual fast, action packed game that occurs when these two teams get together.  The Devils were coming off a brilliant weekend, with an incredible win of the Braehead Clan on Friday, and a nail-biting 4-3 victory over the Dundee Stars.  On the other hand, we had Coventry, who were definitely flying after their four point weekend, two of those points coming from a thrilling 5-3 defeat over the Nottingham Panthers.  It was all to play for last night and neither team wanted to lose.

  Things started off slowly, with the majority of the first ten minutes being end to end play, both teams getting chances but not being able to capitalise.  We reached 6 minutes and the roof was lifted when, after Soderstrom was sent to the box for hooking, defensemen Kenton Smith shot the puck passed Hirsh, giving the Devils’ a one goal lead.  They managed to hold the lead until the 16^th minute, when Blaze’s MOM Kralj equalised.  With only a few minor penalties, the first finished 1-1.

  The second opened with a couple of penalties for the Blaze, though the Devils’ failed to convert any of their PP chances.  In fact, it was Coventry that got the next PP goal, with Devils’ Piggot in the box for slashing; the Blaze took the lead for the first time, with the credit going to Farmer. 

  The game began to heat up towards the end of the second, with Chris Frank starting the ball rolling by getting another 10 minute misconduct, this time for a check to the head.  With him off, you wouldn’t think there could be any more trouble.  But, at 34.25, Jurynec and Vanderveeken got into it.  No fighting majors were called but Veeks got 2 for roughing and Jurynec was awarded 2+5 for charging and a game for cross-checking.  Period finished 2-1 Blaze.

  Yet more minor penalties followed into the third, with neither side tallying.  The Red Army were starting to get desperate, until fledgling Adam Harding, currently playing on the top line whilst Burrows is out with an injury, scored the equaliser.  It was a tense final ten minutes, with both teams waiting for baited breath to see who would get the winner.

  In true Devils/Blaze fashion, the winner didn’t come until 61.47, when Devils’ Captain, Stuart MacRae, who is having a stellar second-half of the season, shot the puck passed Hirsh and gained the extra point for the Welsh side.

  The Devils’ are off to Sheffield tonight, heading towards a definitely showdown, as they try to catch third-place Nottingham and Sheffield battle to prove they are still in the title race.  Follow along at www.the-inferno.co.uk/match-night-live if you’re not travelling up to Sheffield, to see how the battle plays out.  Let’s go Devils!

Cardiff Devils @ Dundee Stars 03/03/2012

  Coming off a nail-biting win in Braehead the previous night, Cardiff were off to Dundee on Saturday night to continue their Scottish double header.  Fully capable of playing a four point weekend, the Devils were determined to show the Scots what they have got.

  Devils took the lead early on in the first, with MOM Stuart MacRae getting his first of three.  Unfortunately, Jarrett Knockle followed soon after, evening up the score.  McGoff followed after, getting the Stars second of the night on the powerplay, after both Gerad Adams and Chris Frank, who hadn’t played the previous night due to suspension, had been sent to the box; Frank for slashing and Adams for fighting after going a round with MOM Zarb.  The period ended 2-1 Devils, with words being traded between the two teams as they headed down the tunnel.

  Despite the tempo of the first period, the second passed with not much action, a few minor penalties at most.  Powerplays passed unsuccessfully and both teams were getting frustrated.  The whistle blew for the end of the second and the score was still 2-1.

  Teams came out for the third, and it seemed like the Stars were on a roll.  Within eight minutes of being on the ice, they were continuing the success from the first period, with McLean scoring Dundee’s third goal of the night.  But that wasn’t going to stop the Devils.  They were playing a clean, physical game (despite what was being said on twitter), and it was bound to pay off eventually.  The time came, and in great succession the Devils’ managed to level the score and finally take the lead.  With the Stars taking a succession of three penalties, the Devils’ were determined to take advantage, with Vanderveeken and MacRae tallying powerplay goals within minutes of each other.  

  With the score level, both teams were now pushing for that all important winner.  Things looked dim when the Devils’ took an unnecessary penalty, in the form of Josh Batch for hooking, but our top line was determined.  With just under two minutes remaining, Captain Stuart MacRae managed to score his hatrick goal, shorthanded, to win the game for Cardiff.

  Final score 4-3 Devils, and Cardiff now have a day off, and a full week to prepare for their clash with rivals Coventry Blaze on Saturday 10^th, when the Blaze come to visit the BBT.  Let’s go Devils!

Cardiff Devils @ Braehead Clan 02/03/2012

  It was a battle for fourth place on Friday night, and that is putting it lightly.  With all points crucial at the moment, it was a fight to the death between the Cardiff Devils and the Braehead Clan.  With the Devils’ travelling up north, being stuck on a bus for 10 hours, it was a question of whether we would see the normal first period action, of coach-legs, or if they would be a force to be reckoned with from the get-go.

  It definitely seemed like the Devils’ were gunning for blood throughout the first period.  If someone had predicted that Cardiff would be winning 4-0 at the end of the first, people would have laughed in their face… but that is exactly what happened.  American superstar, Jeff Pierce, welcomed the Devils into the game with a goal that came from nowhere, just 41 seconds in.  Linemate Stuart MacRae followed five minutes later, and Canadian defensemen Jamie Vanderveeken came out with Cardiff’s third goal at 14.26, with an incredible shot on the powerplay.  Just to round off the period, Matzka also slotted one home.  To give the period that extra bit of spice, Batch went for a round with Zajac, each getting 5 for fighting.

  Into the second, and it seemed that Braehead had finally woken up.  Much like the Devils’ had in the first, Braehead came out fighting and within less than a minute, had a pulled a goal back, courtesy of MOM Jordan Krestanovich.  Play went back and forth for ten minutes, with the Clan demonstrating just how awake they now were, before we entered some controversy.  At 29.35, Kevin Phillips shot the puck at Stevie Lyle, the puck going over Lyle’s right shoulder and seemingly rebounding off the cross bar.  Despite sighs of relief coming from Devils’ fans everywhere, the goal light came on and Phillips was off down the ice celebrating.  With Sky filming the game, the Ref, Hanson, went to video review.  Goal was given, with the puck clearly hitting the back corner before bouncing out, and it was 4-2 Devils.  No further goals followed in the second, and it was off to the third.

  After a quiet second period, the Devils seemed more into the game, coming out into the third.  They applied severe pressure but just couldn’t get the puck past Suomalianen.  Down at the other end, there was another debatable call, with Hanson disallowing a Clan goal, on the grounds that the net was off its moorings.  But this wasn’t going to slow the Clan.  At 43.58, Ryan Campbell brought the Clan within one, but they just couldn’t get that final goal to push the game into overtime.  Game finished 4-3 Devils, the Welsh side winning by the skin of their teeth and gaining those two extra points to push seven points clear of Braehead.

Cardiff Devils vs Hull Stingrays 26/02/2012

  Bouncing back from a devastating 6-3 loss to the Nottingham Panthers, the Cardiff Devils gained those precious two points in an exciting 5-3 win over the visiting Hull Stingrays.

  Despite the finishing score line, it was the visiting team that started the scoring off, with former Devils Jason Silverthorn showing some amazing skill as he travels past several of the Devils’ players and shooting the puck passed Lyle.  But that didn’t slow the Welsh side down; with a man-advantage, Devils’ forward Scott Matzka tipped the puck passed Boucher to level the score before the end of the first.

  Even though the score was tied coming into the second, the Devils’ were a definitely a force to be reckoned with.  Just 44 seconds after the restarted, the Devils had pushed ahead, with Matzka getting his second goal of the night, after picking up the puck from fellow Devils Sam Smith and shooting it five-hole.  Now on a role, it wasn’t long until Cardiff had extended their lead further, with a nice poke from Coach Gee, who had only just returned to the ice after taking a puck to the face, to make it three-one Devils.

  With the Devils’ leading 3-1 when entering the third, it seemed that Hull were beginning to wake up.  In the opening minutes of the final twenty, Head Coach Cloutier managed to bring one back for the English side, bouncing the puck of Lyle’s pad into the back of the net.  Despite the pickup in play by the ‘Rays, nothing could stop the Devils’ now and fan favourite Jeff Pierce redirecting the puck behind Boucher whilst Cardiff had the man-advantage.  Not finished yet, Scott Matzka also shot the puck home, for one final Cardiff goal, to earn himself a hatrick, also on the powerplay. 

  In a last ditched attempt to level the score, Hull’s Osman took a blinding shot at the net, beating Lyle and bringing the final score to 5-3 Devils. 

  With two more points in the bank, it’s now time for the Devils’ to prepare for next weekend, which will take the Devils up north to visit Scottish teams the Braehead Clan, who currently sit behind Cardiff in fifth with 57 points, and the Dundee Stars, who are just outside the playoff berth with 24 points.  All teams need those points, make sure you follow along to find out who gets them… Let’s Go Devils! 

Cardiff Devils @ Nottingham Panthers 25/02/2012

  It was that time again, and the Red Army were out in force last night as the Cardiff Devils ventured up to Nottingham to take on the third place Nottingham Panthers.  Coming off a great week last week, with a win over both the Fife Flyers and the Hull Stingrays, the Devils seemed ready to carry their momentum to Nottingham with them.

  The Welsh side didn’t hit it off in the best way, finding themselves 2-0 down within six minutes.  With both Fox and Clarke scoring for the English side, it seemed like a complete opposite of what most fans had witnessed in the England/Wales 6 Nations game earlier that day.  Despite the two goal deficit, the Devils’ managed to pull the Panthers’ lead back to one, with a neat back door goal, assisted by Canadian Captain Stuart MacRae.  No other goals followed in the opening twenty and the intermission came with a score of 2-1 Panthers.

  Things seemed to go from bad to worse as the second period rolled around, with Nottingham pushing their lead up to 5-1 in the first ten minutes.  The onslaught of Panthers’ goals started just two minutes into the period, with a second from David Clarke, who played with Devils’ starting tender Stevie Lyle on Tuesday night in Lyle’s Testimonial game.  The second came just after 30 minutes (30.14) from Matt Francis, the third a minute later from Brandon Benedict.  Despite the serious Nottingham advantage, the Devils’ managed to pull another one back, coming from Scott Dobben in the dying minutes of the second. 

  Now onto the third, and either Gee gave an incredibly inspiring pep-talk during the intermission or Dobben’s goal was earth-shattering, as the Devils’ came out onto the ice with a new attitude for the final twenty.  Shown in the statistics by the 15-6 shots difference in the third, in favour of Cardiff, the Devils’ were clearly determined to turn the tables.  And it looked to be working, when at just a minute twenty into the period, Scott Dobben scored his second of the night, cutting the deficit to 2 goals, with a Panthers’ lead of 5-3.  With a further nineteen minutes left to play in the game, it seemed like anything was possible for the Welsh side. 

  Unfortunately, despite the luck seeming to be on the side of the Red Dragon, the Devils’ just couldn’t get the puck passed Panthers’ netminder, Craig Kowalski.  Down at the other end of the ice, the Devils’ D slipped one to many times and Beauregard took full advantage to add a final Panthers’ goal to the final tally.  The game finished with a final score of 6-3 to the Panthers’ and a disappointed Welsh side. 

  With all of Cardiff gearing up to watch the Carling Cup Final, with hometown Cardiff FC facing Liverpool, tonight’s face off has been delayed half an hour, so the Devils’ will now be facing the Hull Stingrays at 6.30pm, down at the BBT.  Let’s get as many people as we can down to the Bays to support our Devils! Let’s go Devils!