Big Match Preview: Cardiff (Away)

Welcome to your big match preview, the look ahead to the latest game in the Steelers hockey calendar.

After picking up five points out of possible six last weekend, Steelers only have the single game this weekend coming. It's a Saturday night trip on the road, and quite a trek too, as we go south to face this team:

Yes indeed we are on our travels to face the current holders of dear ol' Monty, the Cardiff Devils. A Cardiff Devils roster that will probably still be smarting after the 4-0 shutout in the Arena just a small matter of two weeks ago. That defeat will have really dented their pride, and they are going to be out to redress the balance in what will be probably a sell out crowd in Ice Arena Wales. It's a game that you want to spend your Saturday night at instead of sitting in front of the TV and watching the damn X-Factor.

Devils are a slightly changed line-up from last season's red steamroller. Most of the roster is still there but they've added to it by bringing in players such as Paul Crowder, Drew Paris and most recently former NHL defenceman Tyson Strachan. So much for not having the financial clout eh Mr Kelman? We think you were having a few of us on when you said that. Bownsy will be wanting to eradicate his horror showing back in South Yorkshire, and prove that he is the undisputed GB number one netminder. 

Players like captain Jake Morissette and Joey's Martin and Haddad are game winners and Mark Richardson will be a constant threat to a Steelers side that tops the league stats on the penalty kill. And that's something we wouldn't have been praising to high heaven 12 months ago would we? If we can keep this solid, grab a few special team goals ourselves, take the game away from the Devils so it silences their raucous support and force the home side into playing the game on the outside: then you know we're capable of winning there. It's certainly been proven in previous trips to South Wales whether it be IAW or BBT.

My prediction? Steelers to give a decent account of themselves but to come up that bit short. Devils to take this 5-2.

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