After a game in the NIC, Steelers return home to face current Elite League table toppers Cardiff Devils in the House of Steel. Cardiff have lost just twice in regulation this season, those coming against surprise packet Edinburgh and Nottingham plus an overtime loss in Belfast. They will be hoping to continue their good form when they return to the scene of their Challenge Cup win last season.
Steelers on the other hand, will be keen to continue their impressive form inside the Arena.
Last Meeting: Cardiff's
last visit to Steelerland wasn't exactly a pleasant one. Having beaten
their hosts 5-3 just seven days previously, they came into the game full
of confidence. However, once Tyler Plante denied Leigh Salters on a
penalty shot and then a Tomas Kurka breakaway - the writing was on the
wall. Steelers roared into the first period break 4-0 ahead. Devils
shared the second period 1-1 but that was as about as good as it got for
them as the home side rattled three more in the final 20 leaving Andrew
Lord's men chasing shadows all night and heading back to South Wales,
very very much embarrassed.
Overall Record: Sunday's
match is the 115th time that the two sides have faced off in Elite
League play, and Steelers will be looking for their 62nd win in this
series. Both sides have had convincing wins, Steelers with that 11-0
demolition just days after the Challenge Cup loss. However, who can
forget that 7-1 defeat that a Craig Weller inspired Devils team
inflicted on us during the 2011 league championship winning season? That
really was a night to forget.
The Players To Watch: Ben
O'Connor (Steelers) - After a fantastic tournament for GB, many thought
that Ben would continue in the same vein this new season. Whilst he has
12 assists to his name, the fact he has only lit the lamp twice is of
concern to some. Thing is that Ben is playing a different type of game
this season under Thommo. Still he's capable of much more, perhaps
Sunday might be it.
Jake
Morissette (Devils) - Probably the one that slips under the radar when
it comes to Cardiff's offensive threat. Sure, they have players such as
Salters, Joey Martin, Gui Doucet and Kurka but the 32 year old Canadian
has the jets to burn away any defence. He can score, he can create and
if on form - is a very hard player to stop. We can't afford to give him
time on the puck, do so and it could cost us big time.
Prediction: Much
will depend on the exertions of the night before to see how Steelers
approach the game. If they have gone into overtime then it could be a
nervy start to proceedings. However, Steelers home form in the Arena has
been explamary to say the least and they will be keen to add another
win to the record.
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