Devils Vs Stingrays - Review

It was definitely a tale of two halves on Thursday night down in the BBT.  On one side, the Cardiff Devils were defeated 4-3 by the Hull Stingrays, confirming that they are now out of the Challenge Cup for this season, a disappointing blow after a week of troubles for the Welsh club.  However, Devils' CEO Paul Ragan announced the club's new signing, straight from Phoenix, AZ, Paul Bissonnette, giving the team and their fans the boost they needed after the EIHL divulged that the match penalties given to Cardiff on Sunday night will stand, and, in some cases, be extended.

  But back to the game; despite the exciting news of the NHL Coyote joining the Devils' ranks, Cardiff did not get off to a great start.  Throughout the entire first period, it was end to end action, with the visiting team capitalising on their chances first.  Just six minutes into the game, former Devil Jason Silverthorn put his team ahead, the assist going to the Ondrej.  They quickly followed this up for their second goal just three minutes later, coming from Tendler.

  With just the one penalty in the first period, neither side really had a solid advantage; the scoreboard told a different story.  With the two early period goals, and a late goal, coming from third star Tanaka, the Rays sailed into the second, carrying a three-goal lead - it was not looking promising for the home team, the win being crucial to get those all important points to carry Cardiff through to the Quarter Finals of the Challenge Cup.

  The boys had definitely left themselves with a lot of work, that hole going deeper as Tom Squires added the Rays' fourth goal just four minutes into the second twenty.  But the Devils were not down and out just yet...With two brilliant power play goals, Chris Blight and Gerad Adams managed to brings the Devils back within two goals, scoring two beautiful goals just four minutes after one another.  With the fire ignited, the Devils continued to push for the remainder of the second, coming through to the third with just two goals in it.

  Both teams were now giving their all, and the BBT was rocking.  Cardiff gave their Red Army more reason to cheer, with a third power play goal coming from EIHL player of the month Mac Faulkner, bringing the game back within one goal.  By now, the respective goaltenders were standing on their heads, doing everything to keep the puck out of their nets, and both sets of defence were demonstrating their skills.  After many chances and body blocks, it was down to the final 70 seconds and the Cardiff goaltender, Phil Osaer, was on the bench.  Despite the extra attacker, Hull were determined and the clock slowly turned down to zero, with the Hull Stingrays going through to the Quarter Finals of the Challenge Cup, a 4-3 away victory under their belts.

  With the Challenge Cup knockout heavy on their hearts, the Devils take that long blane journey up to Scotland this weekend, for a Scottish double header against Braehead (Saturday), and then Edinburgh (Sunday), where hopefully the Devils new signing will be making his away debut!  Many fans are making the trip up across the border, but if you aren't able to make it, don't forget to follow along at Match Night Live, on www.the-inferno.co.uk.  Let's Go Devils!

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