Devils @ Clan - In Review

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 shorthanded 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 minutes 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!

Devils 7 - 5 Clan - Final Score

You can check out Holly's blog here http://theworldofsportbyateengirl.blogspot.co.uk/