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!