By guest writer Peter Ryan

Cardiff Devils will welcome Coventry Blaze to the Vindico Arena on Saturday to kick off their Elite League campaign.

The Welsh side is coming off back-to-back losses and will be looking to bounce back in a big way. Coventry, on the other hand, will aim to maintain their winning momentum. It is an exciting matchup in the Welsh capital, as both sides are hunting for victory.

Defeat last time out for Cardiff

Last weekend, the Blaze and the Nottingham Panthers bested the Devils.

The Devils were comfortably beaten 4-0 by the Panthers. There were some noticeable absences from the team, with captain Joey Martin and Connor Caponi unable to compete.

Goals were difficult to come by in the first period, as the team didn’t capitalise on a power play. For a while, it looked like the second period was following a similar pattern, until Didrik Henbrant gave the Panthers the lead.

The third period is when the game truly changed. Nottingham dominated the period, netting four unanswered goals in a commanding shutout win. Tim Doherty, Matt Marcinew, Mitchell Fossier, and Zsombor Garat all scored to help secure the victory for their team. Cardiff will be hunting for retribution heading into the weekend.

Coventry look to win again

For the first time this season, Coventry skated at full strength, as Connor Russell and Elijah Barriga made their long-awaited returns. They faced off against the Guildford Flames at the Skydome Arena. Like the Cardiff game, the first period was scoreless, with opportunities scarce.

Grant Mismash put his side ahead as he beat Flames goaltender Justin Fazio.  Guildford rapidly answered back thanks to a goal from Sean Comrie, assisted by Charlie Curti.

As regulation and overtime passed, the scores were level, resulting in a penalty shootout. A decisive goal from Jere Vertanen and a crucial save from Mat Robson gave Coventry a well-earned victory.

Last year’s league and starting again

In the competition last year, the Devils finished fourth with 68 points, having won 29 games and lost 18. They scored 143 goals and conceded 178. Coventry finished just below them in fifth, but scored more goals and ultimately conceded more.

Going to this weekend’s game, these teams have already met several times in the Challenge Cup. Cardiff are yet to secure a win over the Blaze this season, and they will be looking to change this on Saturday night.

All signs point to a fierce battle on Saturday, as both sides chase the momentum that can define a season.

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