Devils and Blaze complete mini series tonight

Photo: David Williams

Cardiff and Coventry play their third straight game against each other tonight in what will be an unusual occasion at Ice Arena Wales.

COVID-19 restrictions in Wales require the game to be played behind closed doors for the first time this season. While a handful of Devils players did experience this at the 2021 Elite Series in Nottingham, this will be the first time the rink in Cardiff has been forced to be entirely empty.

On the ice, the teams have each clocked up a win against each other in the two previous meetings - with the road team coming out on top on both occasions. Cardiff simply can't afford to give up many more points if they're to keep tracking Sheffield in the title race. Already six points behind having played a game more, the Devils have very little room for manoeuver. 10 points from 18 available at home so far this season in the league is a record they'll have to improve on if they want to stay in the league title hunt.

Coventry remained seventh with the shootout loss picked up last night, but are slowly clawing back the gap on the teams above them. With three games in hand on Manchester and Guildford especially, the Blaze could be in the mix for a top four place if they can start putting a streak of results together again.