Devils face Steelers in crucial title race clash

Photo: Dave Williams

As rearranged fixtures go, having the Cardiff Devils face the Sheffield Steelers at short notice is one that one would be hard pushed to find a better fixture than on Saturday night in Cardiff.

While that might satisfy the home fans' hockey needs, one can't forget the Steelers fans who had already planned their trips to Belfast before the double header weekend was postponed due to COVID-19 protocols with many already in Belfast. Believe us when we say we're sorry for that situation, but we have to prioritise the health and safety of everyone involved, and follow the guidance and rules in each of the devolved nations.

Steelers fans already in Belfast will be able to follow the game together as the Giants put on a special screening for stranded Sheffield fans, and as the league table identifies this is a huge game for both teams.

With the Steelers already six points clear at the top, and seven ahead of the Devils, tonight's game already feels like make or break for the Devils' hopes of staying in the title race. Going nine points behind even at this early stage would leave Jarrod Skalde's team needing to win five more games than the Steelers over the next 37 games - and based on the Steelers' 81% points percentage so far, that would effectively be challenging the Devils to win at least 30 of those matches and hope for some help from other teams.

The postponement of the Devils' midweek cup game against Dundee means that the team have still only won one of their last five games, Sheffield, by contrast, have won five straight. The Steelers were 5-3 winners in Wales in the teams' last meeting, but were in control of the game for 50 minutes before a late fightback by the home side.