Flames start 2025 with win over leaders

Photo: John Uwins

A sold-out Guildford Spectrum saw late drama as the Flames beat league leaders Cardiff Devils 5-3 on New Year’s Day.

“It was awesome with a sell-out crowd!" said Flames captain Brett Ferguson post-game. "Last night in Cardiff we didn’t show up how we wanted to so our aim was to come back in here and take two points off them. It was a great atmosphere and I’m glad we got the two points.” 

After a slightly delayed start, the opening phases of the game were cagey as both teams managed short benches for their second meeting inside 24 hours. The Devils came closest to scoring with a shot that rebounded into the crease only for Jake Kupsky to get a pad on too of the loose puck.

“Any time you get good goaltending, you give yourself a chance to win. Jake (Kupsky) was great tonight, most of the time our goalies are giving us that chance to win, but it’s huge to have that confidence to play knowing your goalie can bail you out” said the Flames captain of his goalie.

A similar play led to the Flames opening the scoring – Charlie Curti’s’ shot from the point hit the glass behind Mac Carruth’s net but bounced back and deflected off the Devils’ goalie and over the line with ten seconds left in the period.

After Ryan Tait had missed the target on a breakaway, Josh MacDonald levelled 5:56 into period two with a snap shot off a Joey Martin feed after the Devils turned won puck back in the offensive zone.

A pair of goals in just over three minutes looked to have swung things the Flames’ way. Josh Waller threw the puck on net from the wing and saw it get tangled in Carruth’s pads and bounce over the line at 35:34. Curti then fired another one in from the point to make it 3-1 at 38:38, but MacDonald hit back 22 seconds later to make it a one-goal game heading into the third.

Brett Perlini tied the game 67 seconds into period three, and the Devils then had two powerplay opportunities to take the lead but could capitalise on either.

With Kohen Olischefski in the box for tripping, the Flames went back ahead in unusual fashion as a looping puck bounced off Jack Jacome and into Carruth's net at 54:42. An excellent pass from Daniel Tedesco found Brett Welychka in front to make it 5-3 less than two minutes later to give the Flames a cushion. Carruth was pulled at 58:39 but the Devils weren't able to fashion any Grade A chances on Kupsky's net and the home side held on for the two points.

“We’re proud of the win tonight but would have liked to have played better in Cardiff and in Manchester, too. But it’s all about your next game,” added Ferguson. “We’re playing in Sheffield in a few days, so it’s about focusing on that game. There’s still a chance for a lot of teams to get to the top of the league, so we just have to keep picking up wins and getting better and better.”