Season Preview: Cardiff Devils
August 29th, 2007This summer may already feel like winter but it’s not quite hockey time yet. However, with the season only a few weeks away and without knowing how much blogging time I will have I guess it’s about time to look into the season and preview each of the teams with as much knowledge as I actually have of them anyway! Next up it’s the Devils:
THE VIEW
What to expect:
Always there or there abouts throughout the season and in the playoffs but they have yet to take that big step up and win a league or playoff crown. winning the Challenge cup the last couple of years has kept the fans happy but you sence many fans now would like to see a prelonged league challenge. Personally I’m not sure they are going to do it this year. They have lost the leagues top points scorer, Smith and it’s whether they have replaced him or not that will deicded how they do this coming season.
Key Player:
Brad Voth: He may never lead the team in scoring but a little like Paxton Schulte back in his Giants days Brad Voth is the complete package and a bit fan favourite in Cardiff. He can hit hard, play hard, fight and score important goals. He is also their captain and was a big reason why silverware came to Cardiff in the last two years. Dont be suprised to find yourself booing him at some stage throughout the year as he gets into the face of the Giants players.
Odds for the Gambler:
10 to 1: To win their challenge cup for a third straight year.
2 to 1: For Brad Voth to take a game misconduct for Boarding at some stage.
100 to 1: To sweep the Giants over the season.
If they were and NHL team they would be the:
Ottawa Senators - A team that always seem to make it to the playoffs (final 4) but never go all the way.
A Prediction that means nothing: 5th
STATS AND FACTS
Previous 3 seasons:
04-05: 3rd in Elite League with 30 wins and 15 defeats.
05-06: 5th in Elite League with 18 wins and 17 defeats.
06-07: 3rd in Elite League with 32 wins and 17 defeats.
06-07 vs Giants (W-L-T): 2-4-0
In 32 games against the Devils in their history the Giants have won 16, lost 9, tied 2 with 5 defeats in OT. They have scored 88 goals and let in 77. (This excludes the 2000-2001 season).
ON THE WEB
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August 29th, 2007 at 1:55 pm
Nice piece, but I wouldnt say the Devils are like the Sens Rick,
The Devils were one of the most successful teams in UK Hockey not that long ago.
August 31st, 2007 at 11:19 am
Sorry about the delay on that coming up.. Didn’t notice there was a comment waiting to be approved!
Fair point, I’m basing it more on the years the Giants have been in the league pretty much.