Pretty good game that had it's moments.
Once again the Devils started like a house on fire, and took the lead on the penalty kill. Macrae cleared the zone and Birbraer beat the defencemen for speed, before taking his time and dragging the netminder out of his net before firing home.
Devils 1-0 Stingrays
However, the Stingrays kept themselves in the game and after Lyle had made a couple of good saves, the puck fell to Sladok on the blueline and his slapshot through a crowd of players missed everyone and went straight into the net.
Devils 1-1 Stingrays
Both sides were creating lots of good chances and Boucher in particular was making some great saves going from post to post very quickly. With the Devils continuing to be indisciplined the Stingrays took the lead on the powerplay after a scramble infront of the net allowed Kalmikov to force the puck home.
Devils 1-2 Stingrays
Within 17 seconds though the Devils were back on level terms, if perhaps a bit fortunately. Matzka crashed the net and though he lost the puck, it fell to Adams who fired a slapshot into the net. Boucher was furious though as Matzka had 'accidentally' nudged him aside and was still in the crease when the goal went in. However, I have seen players in the crease loads this season and the goals stand - so about time we had one go our way.
So 2-2 end of first, but I think the Devils were a bit fortunate to be level. As the seconds ticked down, Voth had the puck and someone on the bench shouted for him to shoot even though he was just inside our own half. He took a massive windup and fired the puck as the buzzer went, catching a Hull Dman in the chest. Voth ends up with a 10 min misconduct penalty - which I felt was harsh and wouldn't have been given against anyone other than him.
Game remained close with the Stingrays having chances to retake the lead until the Devils hit a purple patch around the midway point of the game. Boucher had been having a fantastic game, but when Birbraer burst down the left wing he left a huge gap on his near post (presumably expecting the pass) which Birbraer exploited and fired a rocket past him.
Devils 3-2 Stingrays
Seconds later, and after good work by his linemates, Tylor Michel raced onto a drop-pass from MacRae and his first-time slapshot flew into the top corner without Boucher even seeing it.
Devils 4-2 Stingrays
Stingrays are a bit shell-shocked and two minutes later that same line is causing havoc again. Boucher couldn't hold the initial shot and Michel bundled in the rebound.
Devils 5-2 Stingrays
To be fair, I felt the scoreline flattered the Devils a bit as the difference between the two sides wasn't 3 goals.
Devils started to try to kill the game off as we moved into the third period. I'm afraid I can't remember either Hull goal but two goals in 2 minutes brought the Stingrays right back into it early in the 3rd period. Uusivirta and Tendler the scorers.
Devils 5-4 Stingrays
Stingrays had a couple of good chances to equalise as the Devils remained indisciplined, but slowly the Devils got their game going again. In the final couple of minutes it was the Stingrays who started to get indiscplined and give the Devils a PP opportunity. Moving the puck around and taking their time until Pelle ghosts into the far post unmarked, Michel picks him out and Pelle fires it in from the tight angle.
Devils 6-3 Stingrays
Further penalties stop the Stingrays trying to comeback again, and in the final minute the Devils get a 5-on-3 and score in exactly the same fashion as the previous.
Final Score: Devils 7-3 Stingrays.
Overall I think the scoreline flattered the Devils as I didn't feel it was a 7-3 game. Boucher made some fantastic saves but also let a couple of softies in too.
I think a Belfast fan said last week that this was the best Hull team he had seen and I would agree with that. They look really good going forward and I can see them winning a lot of games this season. The one thing against them is that they will have a nightmare schedule due to starting the season late but I'd be amazed if they didn't qualify for the playoffs comfortably.
I can't see them breaking into the top 5 and I'm not sure they will be able to catch Braehead to 6th, but from what I've seen so far they are a fair bit better than the other 3 teams.
For the Devils, Matzka had his best game in a long time, Birbraer at times is unplayable and Pelle is probably the best sniper we have had since.... well.... Moria?
Sir Tylor of Michel was at his best again, some huge hits on the much taller Hull Dmen that sent them flying all over the ice.
Referee Dean Smith had some howlers but I didn't think he was as bad as some people were making out. The Devils were far more physical and niggly than in previous games and if you play like that then you are going to pick up penalties.
Overall a good win for the Devils and I wonder whether that 7th goal could be crucial in terms of goal difference for qualification to the CC Semi-finals.
Such a pity that often it's the 'Rock Stars' that get the MOM awards and the dmen are overlooked even though they pull off superb 'in the background' performances. :x 
