Shootout win keeps Devils in the hunt

Photo: James Assinder

Cardiff Devils stayed a point behind second-placed Guildford Flames with a shootout win over Dundee Stars in the Viaplay Elite League, in a game that swung both ways throughout.

The first period of the game ended goalless, with both goalies performing well to keep it level. The opening goal of the game was scored early in the second period, when Cole Sanford deked himself free and scored through the Brython Preece's five-hole to put the Devils up 1-0. The Stars answered right back with a goal of their own at 25:11, Philippe Sanche scoring with a quick wristshot on an odd man rush. The Stars then gained the lead through Erik Naslund, who tucked in a rebound in front of the net at 30:40. The Devils tied the game up late in the period, when Ryan Penny sniped a shot top-shelf at 37:39. 

The home side took the lead at 54:02 thanks to Sanford, whose shot deflected into the net from the stick of a Stars defenseman for his second of the game. The lead, however, did not last long, as the Stars tied the game up a mere 14 seconds later through a quick wristshot from Kris Inglis. The Stars continued their offensive push, which resulted in Carter Folk tipping the puck into the goal to put the Stars ahead at 56:45. Cardiff drew level with only 30 seconds remaining, as Joey Martin tucked the puck in under the Stars player lying in front of the goal after a scramble around the crease. Stars coach Jeff Mason was ejected from the game for his protests.

Overtime produced no goals although the Stars hit the ironwork on a powerplay. In the shootout, Marcus Crawford and Josh Brittain scored the goals to earn the Devils the extra point.

The game went into overtime, where neither team managed to score the decisive goal, therefore the fate of the 2 points was about to be determined with a shootout.