Cardiff Devils vs Nottingham Panthers (L) 27/01/2013

Devils 2, Panthers 4 - Final

  It was a devastating end to the weekend for the Cardiff Devils, as they suffered a 4-2 defeat to the Nottingham Panthers - despite playing their hearts out.  Though the scoreline says otherwise, Cardiff did not deserve to lose against the league leaders; they gave 110% and all Devils' fans will be proud of what went down in the BBT.  But this is a clear display of how it isn't over until the whistle blows...

  Fans from both Cardiff and Nottingham saw an uneventful first period; no goals, no penalties.  Both teams had several chances and the net minders, Craig Kowalski and, on his home debut, Chris Whitley, definitely deserve some huge recognition for the stops pulled out.  The crowd saw some physical play to keep them interested but the goals just wouldn't come.

  Off into the second and Nottingham were pressing for the advantage.  They finally broke the deadlock in the third minute, Bruce Graham earning his 25th goal of the season to put the Panthers ahead.  Neither side could increase, or add to the goals throughout the second, so the visiting team carried a 1-0 lead into the third.

  All penalties from the second were minors - a combination of 6 for Nottingham and 2 for Cardiff but the penalty killing units were up to scratch and nothing was getting through.

  Now the third, where to start...?  A combined tally of five goals between the two sides, with the final two coming in the final minute and a half.  The Panthers' started it off, Pat Galivan doubling the Northern side's lead.  This lead was reduced, however, when Faulkner added his third goal of the weekend to finally get the home side on the board, with Captain Stuart MacRae following behind just minutes later to level the game.

  Everything was starting to look up for Cardiff; the game was levelled and if things continued they could force overtime.  Unfortunately, Nottingham were not down and out.  After taking a bad hit from Beckett, Max Birbraer had to be escorted from the ice, leaving a trail of blood behind him.  With a key penalty killer out for treatment, the Devils' were unlucky to draw two penalties (Marsh for boarding and Richardson for hooking) in the final minutes of the game.  Down to four, then three, skaters, it wasn't too difficult for David Ling - a player who the Devils' defence have always had a problem containing - to slot the puck behind Chris Whitley.  Nottingham rounded it off with a power play empty-netter from Lachowicz to give the final score of 4-2 Panthers.

  So despite the amazing play from the Devils, everything fell apart in the final minutes.  Meanwhile, they will be shaking the disappointment off and getting ready to face the Coventry Blaze on Thursday, down at the BBT for a 7.30pm face off... make sure you're there to support the guys!  Let's Go Devils!

Cardiff Devils @ Sheffield Steelers (L) 26/01/2013

Devils 4, Steelers 5 - Final

  Braving the cold weather and dangerous roads, the Cardiff Devils made their way up to the MotorPoint Arena in Sheffield to take on the Steelers.  Despite a valiant effort in goal against Edinburgh last week, Joe Myers was relieved as starting net minder, with Chris Whitley making his debut for the Welsh side - and after facing a total of 29 shots, the guy did extremely well.

  In fact, the Devils played well as a whole; despite the narrow loss, Cardiff put up 35 shots against Decaro, forcing him to stand on his head to keep his team in the game.  Our boys in red came back three times, never lying down.  It was Sheffield that took the earlier lead in the game, Ferguson scoring at 11.00 exactly to give the home side the advantage.  Cardiff MOM Mac Faulkner levelled the game at  around the 15 minute mark but Drew Fata regained the lead just before the end of the first period.

  Luke Piggot also received a 2+10 for checking from behind, whilst Faulkner served a delay of game and Esders served a too many men - because of this, Faulkner's goal was a shorthanded effort, one of five out of 42 goals this season, and Fata's a power play goal.

  Cardiff were not done; just a minute or so into the second, Josh Batch (who has been playing out of position, on the top line, since at least December) levelled the score for the visiting side.  The score remained the same for the following ten minutes, though both sides saw several power play opportunities, before Ashley Tait and Drew Fata added Sheffield's third and fourth goals - effectively breaking the spirit of the Cardiff players.

  Despite a dip in morale, the boys weren't going to let their travelling fans down.  They fought hard throughout the third, outshooting the Steelers 12 to 7 but nothing was going in... That is until the thirteenth minute, when GB International Phil Hill added the Devils' third, making it a one goal game.  They continued to shoot puck after puck at the net, but things were looking bad when former-Devil Tyler Michel added Sheffield's fifth and final goal, a shorthanded empty-netter (Jeff Legue in the box for high-sticking) with just a minute and a half remaining.

  With an incredible spike of determination, Mac Faulkner added the Devils' fourth goal at 19.46 - a power play goal as Goertzen was sitting a holding penalty - but Cardiff were not able to get that tying goal in the final 15 seconds.  A disappointing loss, but the guys played incredibly well and a proud Red Army cheered them home.

  Desperate for some points, the Devils headed home to face the Nottingham Panthers - Elite League leaders at this time - in what is sure to be a great match up. Let's Go Devils!

Cardiff Devils vs Edinburgh Capitals (L) 19/01/2013

Devils 4, Capitals 5 - OT Final

  After an interesting week of upheaval for the Cardiff Devils, as well as the excitement of the snow, the Welsh side was all set to take on the Edinburgh Capitals in the BBT tonight. Coming off an up and down weekend – securing a win over the Fife Flyers on Sunday night after suffering a disappointing loss to the Nottingham Panthers the previous night – the Devils were ready to show they were back on their feet.

  Cardiff started off well, with a quick goal, Faulkner doing what he does best in the opening two minutes to be the home aide off to a flying start. This was quickly followed up with a round of wrestling from Kenton Smith and Cingel - both earning themselves 2+2 for slashing and roughing.  Cardiff also saw a goal disallowed after Captain Stuart MacRae was ruled to have kicked the puck into the net.  They made up for it though, after both sides received a couple of penalties, with d-man Mark Smith adding a second for the home side (a power play goal, assisted by Max Birbraer).  Jarolin pulled one back but Cardiff carried a one goal lead through to the second.

  On a hot streak, Edinburgh were not going to take anything lying down - they came out swinging, Hartmann scoring quickly to get them back in the game.  Zembergs followed this up in the following minutes, giving the visiting side the lead for the first time in the game.  But they certainly weren't finished... Edinburgh's MOM Dobron managed to slot the puck passed Myers unassisted, whilst Portwood was in the box for delay of game - putting his side two goals ahead, as well as earning himself a short handed goal.

  The scoreline not promising but the players giving their all, it wasn't long until Cardiff answered; doing an amazing job playing out of position, Josh Batch lowered the deficit to one for the South Wales side, with MacRae following behind to level the game just fifty seconds later.  The guys continued to tally the shots on goal, a combined total of 50 shots by the end of the game (compared with Edinburgh's 23), but unfortunately Hiadlovsky was standing on his head, doing everything to keep his team in the game.

  Despite out shooting and - some are saying - out playing the Capitals, Cardiff just couldn't get that final goal in the third period - though Josh Batch, sponsored by Chris Fletcher, was assessed a 2+2+10 for attempted spearing and spent most the period in the penalty box - no matter how hard they tried nor how long they spent in the Edinburgh end.  The game rolled into OT and things were looking positive, the Devils' dominating most of the play.

  Unfortunately, Jarolin was pulled down on a breakaway, calling a penalty shot.  Determination in his eyes, nothing could have stopped that puck from going in and Edinburgh skated away with that extra point.

  With no game on Sunday, the Cardiff boys will be fully rested by Saturday, when they make the trip up to Sheffield to face off against the Steelers.  This weekend will be a true test for the guys, as they travel back on Sunday to face an unstoppable Nottingham side - one who showed just how powerful they are last weekend, defeating the Devils 4-1.  Hoping for a repeat of the first weekend of December, which saw Joe Myers walk away with a SO win over the Sheffield Steelers, there's everything to play for with this Cardiff side.  Make sure to follow along at Match Night Live on Saturday and make your way down to the tent on Sunday to give the guys the support they deserve! Let's Go Devils!

Cardiff Devils vs Fife Flyers (L) 13/01/2013

Devils 3, Flyers 1 - Final

With a full team, the Cardiff Devils were all set to take on the visiting Fife Flyers - ready to prove a point after the devastating 4-1 to a top of the league Nottingham Panthers side at the NIC on Saturday night. Saturday saw David Ling put four goals past netminder Osaer and the Red Army were hoping to see a defensive mindset from the home side.

Things were definitely looking up in the Welsh side in the first period. They were looking strong and more physical than night before, Phil Hill proving his worth making some Flyer-shaped holes in the boards. On both the penalty kill and powerplay the Devils were getting off several shots and chances, and were unlucky not to be a few goals ahead. Meanwhile, down the other end brothers Mark and Kenton Smith were making trouble fro the Flyers offense, blocking and forcing the puck out of the zone - which inadvertently led to the first Cardiff goal - scored by Phil Hill the puck sailing of Pitton's left shoulder into the top corner of the net!

Coming out fast in the second, Josh Batch doubled the Devils' lead, on a slanted shot from the red line. Both teams saw some minor penalties, and Cardiff continued their good form on both the man advantage and the disadvantage. The only shorthanded chance Fife saw ending in Jason Pitton flying ribs first into Osaer's left post, knocking the net completely off its moorings and probably giving himself a lovely bruise. With no other chances for either team, the period finished with just the two Devils' goals.

After an early hooking call on Jesse Gimblett, Fife were able to pull a goal back, catching Osaer out on the powerplay. In fact, there were several chances for the visiting side that had the American netminder scrambling to keep his team in the lead - a very worrying period of play for Devils' fans. The Red Army was relieved however, after Mac Faulkner buried a tap in from Chris Blight to give the final score of the night, 3-1 Cardiff.

Though I'm sure we're all excited for the return of NHL hockey this Saturday, don't forget to get down the the BBT for 7pm to watch yur Cardiff Devils face off against the Edinburgh Capitals - who have been playing a good game of hockey recently, making the matchup a lot more interesting. Lets go Devils!

Cardiff Devils @ Nottingham Panthers (L) 12/01/2013

Devils 1, Panthers 4 - Final

Hockey night and the Red Army made their way up to Nottingham, as the Cardiff Devils faced off against the Nottingham Panthers, who currently sit top of the EIHL table. However, David Beauguard has yet to arrive, and both coach Corey Neilson and back up netminder Dan Green were missing from lineup - though Kelsey Wilson was warmly welcomed back by the home support. Devils were missing Rupert Quiney (who was back in Cardiff on ENL duty) but welcomed back Max Birbraer from injury and Sean Scarborough, who comes up to the elite league after signing a month long contract with the Welsh side.

Nottingham came out strong, with their MOM David Ling scoring the first of his four goals just 2:41 in. Meanwhile, down the other end, with his sister in the crowd, Chris Blight showed a positive attitude in the opening minutes, with a few good shots on goal, though unable to even the score. Tensions running high, pushing and shoving was common, resulting in a Nottingham penalty - but Cardiff failed to convert on the man advantage.

Coming towards the end of the period, things were looking bleak but hopes were lifted as the puck was fired past Craig Kowalski ... Only for him to lean back and fish the puck back out before it could touch the back of the net. With that disappointment, the first period finished 1-0 in favour of the home side.

Clearly on a role and willing to demonstrating why they are now sitting 6 points clear at the top, Nottingham came out quickly, scoring 40seconds in to double their lead. The scoreline obviously lighting a short fuse, Cardiff showed some promise in the following minutes, with some big hits and great chances, Jesse Gimblett running rings around the Nottingham defense. Cardiff MOM Ben Davies saw some bad luck in the form of a rocket shot to the knee, resulting in his leaving the ice for treatment - though he iced in the third, getting some good shots on goal.

With what looked like a key forward missing from play for who knows how long and the scoreline looking anything but promising, Cardiff were in need of a kick start that would last longer than a few minutes. A win against tough guy Gui Lepine could provide this, you say? Tyson Marsh was clearly thinking along the same lines, allowing Lepine to land a few hits before taking him to the ice - binging a huge cheer from the away block! Following the fight-fuelled high, Cardiff picked up their game. Kowlaski, continuing on with his fantastic form, made save after save...keeping his team solidly in the lead with no change in the foreseeable future.

But all the fun and games came to an end when Max Birbraer was sent to the box for boarding after a relatively clean hit.... His first of the game, to the surprise of many. With confidence demoralised and Cardiff afraid to get physical for fear of ref Mike Hicks throwing them in the box,things went further downhill. Ling managed to get his hat trick goal, giving Nottingham a three goal advantage with just two minutes left in the period. However, in a surprise turn of events, Mark Smith forced the puck past Kowalski, breaking the Devils' deadlock just seconds before the end of the period - reducing the Panthers lead to only two goals into the final twenty.

As seemed to be a pattern throughout the game, Nottingham scored early on in the third, Ling scoring his fourth and final goal - the shot going glove side into an unguarded back door, Ling shooting unopposed. The disappointment continued for Red Army fans as shot after shot missed its target and puck after puck was stripped from the ever tired Devils' players; Kowalski and the Panthers looked invincible - Cardiff just could not keep up. A sliding save from tender Osaer was the only thing stopping Nottingham from increasing their lead further, the final score 4-1 to the home side, sending them 6 points clear at the top...well on course to lift the Elite League trophy at the end of the year.

Cardiff now face a long trip home to battle it put against the Fife Flyers in tomorrow's match up down at the BBT... Shaking off the loss tonight, there will be everything to play for so make sure you get down to the Bay and support the boys! Lets go Devils!

Cardiff Devils @ Edinburgh Capitals (L) 06/01/2013

Devils 6, Capitals 3 - Final

Cardiff were up in the Scotland last night, making the latest push in their league campaign, hoping to bury thoughts of their home loss against Hull on Saturday with a big win against the Capitals.

Devils started off quickly, defensemen Mark Richardson scoring just after the four minute mark, giving the visiting side the advantage. Tough guy Jesse Gimblett continued Cardiff's success, doubling the lead at 734. They saw a couple of penalties, both before and after their third goal, which had Mac Faulkner opening his scoring account at 1818 - whilst also closing the scoring for the period.

Despite Chris Blight adding yet another Cardiff goal to give them a four goal advantage in the second, Edinburgh were not down and out - they scored two goal in quick succession around the 30 minute mark to bring them back within two goals. A game of tit for tat followed, with Faulkner answering them, and Leinweber returning the favour.... Leaving the score at 5-3 going into the final period of play.

Cardiff added their final goal at 4443 giving them a total of 6 and successfully held off the home side to take those all important points back across the border.

With a win under their belts, Cardiff will be looking ahead to the game against Nottingham in the NIC this coming Saturday - where they will be surrounded by Red Army support! - before returning home to face Fife on Sunday. Lets go Devils!

Cardiff Devils vs Hull Stingrays (L) 05/01/2013

Devils 2, Rays 3 - Final

  Tonight saw the first game of the new year for the Cardiff Devils, as the Red Army welcomed the Hull Stingrays into the Bay.  Coming off a loss to the Dundee Stars over the weekend, Cardiff had something to prove, especially playing at home in the fortress known as the BBT.

  Both sides got down to business quickly, with resident tough guy Jesse Gimblett faces off against rival  Ryan Hand just three seconds after puck drop.  With tempers flaring it looked to be an entertaining matchup for both sets of fans... The Devils' continued to wow fans with an early goal from MOM Ben Davies, a neat back hand in front of the net, also coming before the minute mark at just 0.49.

  As is known for the BBT, the Devils demonstrated a physical strategy in the opening ten, with Josh Batch in particular making some incredible hits, leaving Rays' feeling a bit stung all over the ice.  Power forward Phil Hill also saw some pushing and shoving, himself and Ondrej earning themselves two minute minors for roughing - which was topped by Chris Blight and Ozolin trading blows for the second fight of the period, earning themselves a set of majors (Blight was also given 2 for instigating and a 10 minute misconduct, though the reason is unclear).

  But being shorthanded never bothered the South Wales side before, Mac Faulkner proving why with a beautiful breakaway goal while Blight was still in the box, giving Cardiff a two-nil lead.  However, Hull weren't down and out - Jereme Tendler replying quickly with a shorthanded goal of his own, after skilfully stealing the puck from Devils' d-man Tyson Marsh before sending the puck 5-hole on Phil Osaer.  Cardiff had a chance to lengthen the gap once more but had a goal disallowed as Phil Hill got tangled in the crease.

  Hull continued their momentum though, with both Cloutier and Tendler adding to the tally to give the Rays a 3-2 lead at the end of the opening period - finishing out the period on the power play after Mark Richardson was sent to the box for interference.

  With what seems like a full game of hockey being condensed into the first twenty minutes, the final two periods seem almost dull from a statistics point of view.  Despite many chances for both sides, the score remained the same, Hull taking the 2 points home at the end of the night.  They also saw many penalties but Cardiff were just not able to capitalise no matter how hard they tried.  In a desperate attempt to even the score in the dying minutes, Osaer was pulled to give the home side an extra attacker but nothing seemed to help.

  Cardiff are heading up to Edinburgh to face the Capitals tomorrow, hoping to bring home some of those crucial but elusive league points.  With a shaky away record across the Scottish border, they need all the support they can get, so get cheering Red Army! Let's Go Devils!