Review - Devils V's Stars

 Despite a less than stellar crowd, the Cardiff Devils managed to pull off a show-stopping third period on Thursday night, defeating the Dundee Stars 4-2 in the BBT. 

It wasn't looking promising for the Welsh side, with the Stars starting the scoring just 37 seconds into the game, Bagron the scorer.  With their confidence knocked, the Devils continued slowly throughout the rest of the period, with no goals going up and the Stars dancing passed to take a shot at Osaer.  The Devils brightened up towards the end of the period, forcing some chances on net, and taking some penalties, but nothing would stick and the period finished 1-0 Stars.

  After a late first period penalty from the Devils, Dundee went the power play early on in the second, capitalising on the advantage to give themselves a two-goal lead.  Cardiff had some power play chances themselves, but failed to pull one back, despite their play picking up towards the end.  End of second: 2-0 Stars.

With Ripel demonstrating why he is the second most played goaltender in the league frequently throughout the game, it wasn't any wonder why the Red Army were starting to get a bit antsy.  The home side had begun to pile the pressure on the Canadian net minder, a goal was imminent but fans were expectantly nervous.  It wasn't until Mac Faulkner had levelled the score, with goals coming at  42.40 and 45.05, that the Cardiff fans could finally have a bit of breather. 

With fresh legs, Cardiff pushed on, their physicality showing through.  With a couple of penalties putting the Devils are a slight disadvantage, it looked like it would be going to OT but the guys stepped it up.  Five minutes left in the game and Max Birbraer put Cardiff ahead for the first time in the game, scoring on a turnaround shot.  Desperate to hold the lead, the Devils gave it their all, but had to finish up the game with a man disadvantage, as Captain Stuart MacRae was sent to the box with just 20 seconds remaining.  It was all or nothing, especially with the Stars pulling Ripel in favour of an extra attacker.

It was scrappy and very lucky, but the Devils managed to put the puck in the back of the net for a fourth and final time, Chris Blight scoring a short-handed, empty-netter with just two seconds left on the clock!  Man of the match awards went to Nic Ripel and Max Birbraer and the game finished with a final score of 4-2 Devils.

  With all the excitement of the midweek game, don't forget about the amazing weekend of hockey coming up.  The Cardiff Devils travel to the Skydome on Saturday (FO 7pm) for the first in a double headed weekend vs the Blaze.  Return leg to be played in the BBT on Sunday (FO 6pm).  If you're not taking the trip up with the Red Army, you can follow along at www.the-inferno.co.uk/match-night-live for the 'ridiculously childish' and 'disgustingly biased' MNL service, providing all scores and updates throughout both games.  Let's Go Devils!

You can check out more of Holly's blog here http://theworldofsportbyateengirl.blogspot.com/