Devils suffer double setback over disappointing weekend


It was a tough weekend for Cardiff Devils, as they suffered back-to-back losses. On Saturday, the Welsh side were edged out by Glasgow Clan. Following that, they travelled to England and took on the Sheffield Steelers but were beaten.

Here’s Peter Ryan’s summary of a poor weekend for the Devils:

A loss at home

The Devils headed into the weekend full of confidence, after back-to-back wins the week prior.

Glasgow came to Cardiff Bay for the first game of the weekend. It was a close contest which saw the Scottish side take a 3-2 win through a shootout.

The Devils opened the scoring thanks to a Ben Davies goal. Yet, it wasn’t long before Glasgow struck back with a score from Deven Sideroff to equalise. Cardiff’s response was immediate as Josh MacDonald put his team in the lead.

The second period told a tale of missed opportunities, as Devils struggled to convert chances to extend their lead, even during a power play. In fact, it was Glasgow’s Tristan Langan who took his chances and levelled the game up heading into the final 20.

The third period followed a similar script to the beginning of the second, with Cardiff pushing hard for the winner, but falling to get it. With regulation ending in deadlock and overtime brought no breakthrough, Glasgow held their nerve in the shootout to take victory.

A disappointing defeat in Sheffield

After a frustrating defeat at home, Devils headed to Sheffield hunting for a result.

In a break from the Elite League, the teams looked to further their Challenge Cup campaign. However, Cardiff were comfortably beaten by the Steelers. The first period saw no goals, but the goaltenders put on impressive displays.

After a goalless first 20, the second period is where the Steelers ran away with the game. Scores from Mitchell Heard, Jack Dougherty, and Robert Dowd gave their side a commanding lead. Mitchell Balmas scored the Steelers final goal. Joey Martin did get Devils a consolation goal, but it was too late. The game finished 4-1.

Standings

Following Saturday’s defeat in the Elite League, Cardiff now drop down to fifth with five points, scoring eight goals and conceding three. In the Challenge Cup, the Devils sit fourth in Group A with 10 points, having 30 goals and giving up 29.

To stay in the competition Cardiff will now have to beat the Guildford Flames in November.

With fire in their hearts and something to prove, the Devils will chase redemption against the Nottingham Panthers and Coventry Blaze next weekend.


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