Weekend in Review - Devils take on the Clan

Just in case you missed any of this weekend’s action sports blogger and Devils fan Holly Acott gives us her view of the weekend’s games, you can check out Holly’s Blog here
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SATURDAY, 1 OCTOBER 2011
Cardiff Devils @ Braehead Clan 01/10/11

Devils 1- 3 Clan - Final

This first of October saw the Cardiff boys travelling to Scotland for their first match-up against the Braehead Clan.  The Clan are coming off a brilliant weekend, after winning their game on Saturday 6-0 against the Dundee Stars, and the Sunday game 4-2, against the Edinburgh Capitals.  On the other hand, the Devils are also coming off a four-point weekend, after defeating Hull 4-2 at the BBT, and shutting out Coventry, in the Skydome, with a 2-0 final score.

The game started with some intense end-to-end action, with both goaltenders getting closer to the puck than they would like.  Both teams also saw their fair share of offsides in the opening five minutes.  But, after about seven minutes of the first period, Frank the Tank showed us all that he isn't invincible.  After Scott Matzka was sent to the box for tripping, the Clan were trying to capitalize on their advantage, shooting shot after shot at the net.  Frank put his body in the way of a Clan shot and ended up taking a bite out of the puck; or, the puck to a bite out of him?  The defenseman was taken from the ice to get patched up, and play continued after the ice was cleaned.  But nothing could keep the Tank from the ice. He was back on just after Braehead scored their first goal, netted by Adam Walker at 12:59, unassisted.

Throughout the duration of the first twenty minutes, the Devils took a couple of penalties, all minor in some degree or another.  Unfortunately, the third power-play was just what the Clan were looking for, and they capitalized with the extra man, McPherson doubling their lead, while Kenton Smith was in the box for slashing.  Score at the end of the first, 2-0 Clan.

Devils were given a slight reprieve in the second, with less penalties being taken.  Most of the second twenty minutes were played with five men for both side, with the exception of a slashing call for Dobben and a holding call for Wedderburn.  Both teams through everything at the net, but this time the net minders were ready.  With shots coming at both ends, Lyle and Suomalainen, earning himself the MOM award, were pulling off some fantastic saves.  Second finished 2-0 Clan.

The start of the third saw some rough play, mainly centred around Lyle's goal area but nothing came of it.  In fact, nothing really happened for the first ten or so minutes of the third period.  There were hits made, but none that did any serious damage.  It wasn't until 49:34 that the box saw any actions.  The only Clan to get a penalty throughout the entire game, Tim Wedderburn spent two minutes in the box for interference.  During the power-play, the Devils' own Max Birbraer managed to pull them back within one goal, with the help of defensemen Kenton Smith and Mark Richardson, at 50:43.

Energized by the PP goal, the Devils found a new lease of life and gave everything to get the puck on the net.  Despite this, the Clan's net minder, Jaakko Suomalainen, stood strong between the pipes.  57:14 saw Tim Wedderburn back in the box, once again for interference, but Cardiff failed to use the advantage.  With 14 seconds left of the game, Braehead cemented their win with an empty net goal, after the Devils pulled Lyle, in hope that the extra attacker would help level up the playing-field.  Final score 3-1 Braehead.

Despite the loss tonight, the Devils will be gunning for revenge tomorrow night, as they face the Braehead Clan at home in the BBT.  FO is at 6pm, make sure you are there to support the guys.  Let's Go Devils!

Cardiff Devils Vs Braehead Clan 02/10/11

Devils 5 – 2  Clan - Final

 Sunday night, and it's time for the Devils to get some revenge on the Braehead Clan, after last night's 3-1 defeat up in Scotland.  With Player/Assistant Coach Scott Matzka missing for the Devils, supposedly with a mild concussion, and Mike Bayrack missing from the Clan's bench, due to visa problems, it was sure to be an interesting game.

The first period didn't get off to the best of starts in the BBT, with some technical problems delaying the FO.  By the time the puck was dropped everyone was anxious to see what was going to happen.  Once play started, the Devils created several changes, getting a few shots on goal, but last night's MOM Jaakko Suomalainen held strong in between the pipes.  In the opening ten minutes, both teams also saw a couple of offsides.

The penalty box also saw some action in the initial twenty minutes.  Starting at 7:14, Braehead had four players sent to the box, Galbraith the first for hooking, followed by Zajac for interference; Tim Wedderburn, who was the other Clan player to earn a penalty in last night's game, followed his teammates with a delay of game call.  At 17:15, both Kyle Bruce and Brad Voth were served penalties, Bruce's for roughing.  Voth's penalty, however, was for a high stick, for which he received five plus a game misconduct.  To combat for this, Jeff Pierce took matters into his own hands and, with the help of Kenton Smith and Stuart MacRae, put the puck in the back of the net.  Score at the end of the first, 1-0 Devils.

Roll on the second period!  After good first period, the Devils came back out after the fifteen minute intermission, ready and raring to go.  And did they ever show who's game it was!  Just 1:06 into the period, Player/Coach Gerad Adams took hold of the puck and blasted it past Clan tender Suomalainen.  With the score now 2-0 Devils, it is possible that Braehead were getting slightly frustrated.  At 25:42, Kyle Bruce was put in the box for roughing, and Jordan Krestanovich followed with two for hooking.  Despite the Clan penalties, the Devils' game continued to flow and Captain Stuart MacRae added the Devils' third goal of the night.  To round of the period, Jeff Pierce scored his second of the night, and Gerad Adams was sent to the box for holding.

Another fifteen minute intermission and the players were back out on the ice, ready for the third period.  The final twenty minutes saw two penalties and three goals, plus a change of goaltender.  At 41:48, Ryan Campbell managed to pull one back for the Clan; James Jorgensen followed this up with a hooking penalty.  Two minutes later, fellow Clan member Jordan Krestanovich joined Jorgensen in the box, after drawing a tripping call.  This gave the Devils a 5-on-3 power-play, which they used to their advantage.  At 44:46, British Defensemen Mark Richardson netted the Devils' fifth and final goal.  In a last ditch attempt to pull back the game, Jordan Krestanovich added a second goal to the Clan's tally, at 53:18, just after the Devils had switched Lyle for Joe Myers.  Final score: Devils 5, Clan 2.

Next game is on Saturday, in Fife, FO at 7:15pm.  Can't make it up to Scotland?  Follow the guys here: www.the-inferno.co.uk/mnl let’s Go Devils!