After two hard-fought wins over Coventry, the Devils’ schedule presents them with another midweek fixture. This time it’s a Challenge Cup semi-final against our old friends Sheffield, in a repeat of last year’s final.
It’s fair to say domestically, the Steelers haven’t really got going this season but they come into this one boosted from a huge 8-0 win over Belfast Giants and the news that Zack Fitzgerald will return to their line-up after a suspension.
The Devils are going to without Gleason Fournier who is suspended with a two game ban. Drew Paris iced in the warm-up following injury against Coventry on Sunday but didn’t feature, the feeling is that this game will again be too soon for him and the Devils could roll five defenceman with Fournier absent from the second D-pairing and power play unit.
The Devils have won and lost on their two visits to Sheffield so far this season, this of course is a 2-leg game but it’s going to be a tough one.
TONIGHT’S STARTING GOALIES
Ervins Mustukovs (SHE) GP 37, GAA 2.22, SV%.923, Shutouts 7.
Ben Bowns (CAR) GP 37, GAA 2.45, SV% .909, Shutouts 5.
Hockey Night in Wales 