Cardiff Devils 2 Sheffield Steelers 3 (after shootout)
Less than a month ago, Steelers were blanked in Wales in their first visit to the ‘Big Blue Tent’ this season but they gained sweet revenge in this one as a Mike Ramsay shootout strike was good enough to take the extra points after the teams had shard four goals in regulation and overtime.
Steelers have now won five and tied one from their last six but it’s a first loss in three for Devils.
The opening period was goalless with both sides having their chances and each missing out on a couple of powerplay opportunities. The game broke open however in the middle session with a couple of quick goals for the visitors. Rod Sarich fired them ahead at 26.22 and then only 41 seconds later Lee Esders made it two. Devils quickly hit back through Phil Hill at 31.25 and it was a one-goal game going into the third.
Steelers soaked up a lot of home pressure in the while always looking dangerous themselves at the other end but Devils were able to take the game to overtime when they punished a 2+2+10 penalty on Sarich by seeing Scott Dobben level at 58.22.
No goals in overtime but Devils Chris Frank was ejected on a 5+game for slashing in the final minute.
The shootout produced no goals from the original three-man round but Ramsay then stepped up to score the winner in round four and keep his side well in touch at the top end of the standings.
Period Scores: 0-0, 1-2, 1-0, 0-0, (0-1)
Penalty Mins: Car 37 – She 30
Powerplay: Car 1/8 – She 0/5
Shots On: Stevie Lyle 32 / John DeCaro 50
Referee: Tom Darnell
