Weekend Round up - 29th & 30th October

Cardiff Devils vs. Coventry Blaze (CC) 29/10/11

Devils 6, Blaze 1 - Final

It's Saturday night and the Cardiff Devils welcome the Coventry Blaze to the BBT tonight.  As we all know, Devils/Blaze match-ups are always interesting, and this one didn't disappoint!  Seven goals throughout the sixty minutes, plus a whole load of penalties, everyone in the BBT was buzzing.

The action was non-stop from the beginning.  With the penalties coming thick and fast, the penalty units for both teams had to keep their heads up.  The Devils' penalty kill had a great night, not letting Coventry score any power play goals.  Instead, the Devils first goal, scored by Brad Voth, was a power play goal (7:27)!  During the first, Coventry also managed to get one on the board, but were unsuccessful in stopping Man of the Match Jeff Pierce from scoring his first of the night.  The score at the end of the first was 2-1 Cardiff.

The second was a bit quieter than the first, with only a couple of penalties and only goal.  Although, it is said that the goal that put Cardiff two goals ahead, is a contender for the goal of the year, with MOM Jeff Pierce doing a full 360 degree turn before depositing the puck in the back of the net.  Goal scored at 28:29, with the help of Adams and Frank.  End of Second, 3-1 Devils.

Finally, it was time for the last twenty minutes.  Just like when they played Dundee last Saturday, Cardiff did not slow their work effort, just because they were in front.  Although the boys didn't score five goals in the last period, they did manage three, securing a 6-1 victory.  The first of the three came from Captain Stuart MacRae (49:02), followed by Kenton Smith with his first of the season (56:34).  The final Devils' goal was scored by assistant coach Scott Matzka (58:47), rounding off the scoring and bringing in those much needed two points.  With a win under the belts, the Devils go second in their CC group, four points behind Nottingham with a game in hand.

Be sure to follow the boys when they play in Dundee tomorrow night!  If you can't get up to Scotland, then be sure to follow the MNL (http://www.the-inferno.co.uk/mnl/) for all the news from the Devils.  Let's Go Devils!

SUNDAY, 30 OCTOBER 2011
Cardiff Devils @ Dundee Stars 30/10/11
Devils 2, Stars 3 - SO Final

Coming off a victory over the Coventry Blaze last night, the Cardiff Devils were ready to face the Dundee Stars.  Hoping for a four point weekend, the boys were raring for a good game and a good result.

The teams came out fighting.  Not only were both teams sent to the box for several minor indiscretions, such as holding, slashing, etc., power-forward Max Birbraer managed to get himself a ten-minute misconduct (19:58).   With all the power-plays going, someone was sure to put the puck in the back of the net.  Unfortunately for the Red Army, it was the Stars that managed to capitalize on the man advantage.  At 12:05, Brennan Turner, who saw more of the penalty box than the ice the last time these two teams met last week, shot the puck passed Stevie Lyle, scoring the only goal of the period.

The intense play continued through into the second period.  With more penalties being handed out, it was rare that either team at a full five players on the ice at any one time.  In addition to the penalties, Brennan Turner also extended the Stars lead to two (30:02).  Desperate to remain in the game, the Devils fought back and Scott Matzka managed to get one in the back of the net (39:54).  Both teams continued to try and get another goal before the end of the period, but all that was awarded was a ten-minute misconduct for Chris Frank.  End of second period, 2-1 Stars.

Into the third and the Devils were desperate to level the score.  So desperate in fact, that it only took 42 seconds for Scott Matzka to find his way through Dundee's defence and put the puck in the back of the net.  With the score level, both teams were determined to get the next goal.  Throughout their fight to get the goal, Chris Frank got himself a holding minor, plus a Game for abuse of official; Hutchins and Dobben also got minor penalties.  The power plays did not help either team and the period finished 2-2.  The Stars go into the OT period with 1:53 power play time, as Dobben was sent to the box at 59:53.

Despite the eagerness both teams had to put rubber in the net, neither team succeeded in scoring the OT goal, so the game went to shootout.  First up, Max Birbraer misses, but his Dundee counterpart, Brent Hughes scores.  Devils' next shooter Scott Matzka also misses.  Much to the disappointment of the Devils, the next Star shooter, Lee Mitchell, scores, and Dundee wins.

Devils' next game is on Saturday, against the Nottingham Panthers, at the BBT.  Make sure you're there supporting the boys!  Let's Go Devils!

Don’t forget you can check out Holly’s blog for match updates here http://theworldofsportbyateengirl.blogspot.com/