Devils beat Steelers in battle at the top

Photo: James Assinder

Cardiff Devils extended their home win streak to seven straight games and opened things up at the top of the Viaplay Elite League with a 3-1 home win over Sheffield Steelers on Thursday night. Inn ending the Steelers, 11-game winning streak, the Devils moved themselves to within two points of the Steelers at the top.

Cardiff took the lead early through Ben Davies when Riley Brandt found him in front of the net to slot hight past Matt Greenfield at 5:30. The visitors were level off a quick, scope of a wrist-shot from Scott Allen that beat Taran Kozun low at 11:45 after the Steelers had some sustained pressure following the opening goal.

The lone goal of period two came with 3:55 on the clock. The Steelers coughed the puck up in the neutral zone which allowed Cole Sanford to steal the puck, skate forward, and set up Trevor Cox for the back-post finish.

Scott Allen missed a wide open net with 12 minutes left on the clock in period three as the Steelers pressed for a tying goal, and on a late powerplay only a Mark Richardson block stopped Danny Kristo slotting past Kozun in the slot.

Joey Martin made the game safe on the empty net with 14 seconds to go, the Devils killing off all three penalties they took in the game.