Giant Performance Leaves Flyers In The Shade At Viola

Bring on the Giants. Cardiff Devils were the only team in Elite League to earn four points over the weekend – and they have moved menacingly into second place with games in hand.

They now face a double-header against Belfast Giants in Cardiff Bay next weekend.

New signing Shaone Morrisonn made his Devils debut, played alongside Sam Jardine, and added strength, composure, high quality skating and a cool head to the proceedings.

Devils dominated the match, outshooting Flyers 51-19, and this was a first shut-out of the season for goalie Ben Bowns.

Fife supporters gave match officials, including referees Matt Rose and Blake Copeland, verbal stick in the Viola Arena bar when they went for a drink and that is unacceptable.

https://twitter.com/cardiffdevils/status/1196027345464889344?s=20

One fan – only one – shouted ‘cheat’, but several others joined in with jeers.

Cardiff, though, completely dominated the match and could have won by far more than three goals.

Netminder Adam, Morrison was magnificent in goal for Flyers and was named man of the match, but those Flyers fans let their team down badly.

There was a poor call which left Fife facing a 5v3 powerplay, but the way the visitors lost their discipline let them down badly.

Fife won 5-01 in Scotland when these teams last met and Devils were fired up for the return with Stephen Dixon at the heart of a major team performance.

The third period showing was, without doubt, magnificent, and Flyers crumbled.

All three goals were scored in the final period, all on the powerplay.

https://twitter.com/cardiffdevils/status/1196040929452449792?s=20

The game was scoreless for almost 50 minutes until Joey Martin converted on a 5-on-3 at 49-04 to break the deadlock. 

Just under two minutes later Stephen Dixon scored from close range to double the Devils’ advantage with Matt Pope hitting the third goal from the point at 54-41.

Devils also hit a post with goalie Morrison helpless and thoroughly deserved their win. 

They now play Belfast Giants next weekend, hosting them on Saturday, November 23 (7pm) and then 4pm the next day.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS or call 0800 0842 666

Match stats: 

Scorers, Devils: Joey Martin 1+0, Stephen Dixon 1+0, Matt Pope 1+1, Gleason Fournier 0+1, Mike McNamee 0+1, Charles Linglet 0+1, Sean McMonagle 0+1, Joey Haddad 0+1

Period scores (Devils first): 0-0; 0-0 (0-0); 3-0 (3-0)

Shots on goal: Devils (on Adam Morrison) 51, Flyers (on Ben Bowns) 19

Men of the match: Devils, Joey Martin; Flyers, Adam Morrison

Penalties in minutes: Devils 2+2+0=4; Flyers 4+2+6=12

Attendance: 2,843

Devils team:

Goalies: Ben Bowns (back-up Thomas Murdy)

First line: Gleason Fournier, Mark Richardson, Sean Bentivoglio, Joey Martin, Blair Riley

Second line: Sam Jardine, Shaone Morrisonn, Charles Linglet, Stephen Dixon, Joey Haddad

Third line: Mark Louis, Sean McMonagle, Masi Marjamaki, Mike McNamee, Matt Pope

Fourth line: Josh Batch, Matthew Myers, Sam Duggan

Referees: Matt Rose, Blake Copeland

ELITE LEAGUE STANDINGS

#	Team	GP	Score	Pts
1	Glasgow Clan	17	69:58	23
2	Cardiff Devils	15	49:44	20
3	Sheffield Steelers	18	76:59	20
4	Coventry Blaze	16	59:56	18
5	Belfast Giants	15	46:39	18
6	Fife Flyers	17	47:57	15
7	Nottingham Panthers	15	40:42	15
8	Guildford Flames	14	39:36	14
9	Dundee Stars	18	53:73	13
10	Manchester Storm	15	37:51	11