Devils @ Capitals - Sunday 7th

4th Oct 2013 | Posted by Simon Rafferty

Sunday see’s the Devils make the trip to the Dickensian Splendour of Murrayfield to take on the Edinburgh Capitals.  This will be the first meeting between the two sides so far this season with last season winding up a draw with both sides taking two wins from the four meetings between the two sides.

Before the game on Sunday the Devils face the Belfast Giants at home while the Capitals face the Flyers away in the Challenge cup.

The Capitals have recently been strengthened by the return of defenceman Michal Dobron who makes his return to the Edinburgh Capitals signing a two-year deal.

The former Czech international was an EIHL standout last season. Dobron had originally signed to play in France this season but was released after picking up an injury during pre-season preparations.

Michal kept Scott Neil updated with his situation and when it was clear that he was now injury free and available, the Capitals wasted no time in negotiating a new deal.

Edinburgh Capitals coach Richard Hartmann commented: “This is one of the biggest signings I’ve made for this club. We know what we’re getting with Michal Dobron.”

"To secure Michal’s services for two years is tremendous for this club. I believe that he was the most complete defenceman in the EIHL last year.”

"Getting Michal back means our squad has significantly improved. We look forward to welcoming him back to Edinburgh shortly.”

Dobron will make his return to home ice on Sunday against Cardiff Devils.

I can’t comment too much on the Capitals Roster as they haven’t said a great deal about the team in the press. Last weekend they were without Jan Safar but didn’t say why and were also without Curtis Leinweber who could miss 3 to 4 weeks with a leg injury.  

The Capitals have two potential Milestones coming up this weekend with Jordan Steel requiring 2 games for 300 games in all EIHL competitions and as a team require 4 goals to reach 1400 goals scored in all EIHL competitive games.

Last weekend saw the Capitals in action twice in the Challenge Cup starting on Saturday against the Dundee Stars. After Edinburgh took a first period lead they were no match to a Dundee team who went on to hit five without reply to effectively end the game as a contest.

In a close fought encounter in the opening period there was only the one goal separating the teams and it came the way of the visitors as Jordan Steel put his team in front at 18.17.

The second period was all one way traffic towars the Edinburgh goal. The game was turned around with two goals in less than a minute as Nico Sacchetti at 23.15 and the John Dolan at 24.01put the Stars in front. Two further quick goals from Sacchetti with his second at 28.36 and then Rory Rawlyk at 29.19 put the hosts in command. When Billy Bagron netted at 35.42 the game was over.

The teams traded goals in the third period with Dundee getting their sixth at 48.06 from Tysen Dowzak. The Capitals goa late consolation as debutant Lea Reaney netted at 56.44.

For highlights of this game you can check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ffKhU67SUjQ

Final Score Dundee Stars 6 – 2 Edinburgh Capitals

Sunday saw the Capitals playing the Clan with Both teams going into this game without a win in the Challenge Cup and in the end it was the West coast of Scotland team Braehead that finally broke their duck. Not only did they get the win but goaltender Kyle Jones posted his first shutout.

Both teams had chances in the opening period but it was the Clan that found the way to the net. They opened the scoring with a shorthanded goal from Ed McGrane at 7.36. They increased their lead with a strike from Ash Goldie at 15.53.

The visitors doubled their advantage with two powerplay goals in the second stanza. The first of these came from Nathan Moon at 30.42 and then a second goal of the game from Goldie at 38.08 gave them a comfortable lead.
The Clan went nap at 47.18 as Moon netted his second powerplay goal of the game. Two further goals from the Clan 34 seconds apart put them in seventh heaven as Shane Lust netted at 56.24 and then Lee Esders got his first goal of the season at 56.58.

Final Score Edinburgh Capitals 0 - 7 Braehead Clan

The ones to watch for the Capitals look to be

Curtis Leinweber – On 5 goals and 2 assists
Richard Hartmann – On 2 goals and 5 assists
Tomas Horna – 2 Goals and 2 assists

In Goals the Capitals have Tomas Hiadlovsky  who currently has a save percentage of just 86.6% and a goals against average of 5.

We will be trying to run the “ridiculously childish and disgustingly biased” Match Night Live service for this game, expect name calling, slurs and one eyed bias in epic proportions, at the usual location of http://www.the-inferno.co.uk/mnl

If you’re making the trip up to Edinburgh and you'd like to help out by texting updates (we’d be happy to hear from you) or if you’d like to chip in with a comment or prediction on the night please contact us atmatchnightlive@gmail.com.