Sheffield Steelers 1-3 Cardiff Devils

Both sides at full strength, Devils giving a debut to Mike Prpich.

3635 saw Cardiff deservedly beat Sheffield at the third attempt with a much improved display in this their first game with a full roster. This was much like the Devils of old as they used their size and strength to maximum advantage.

Tyson Teplitsky fired home from the left (12:53) and after Ashley Tait bagged the rebound from Jeff Legue's shot (35:49), Mike Garrow popped up at the back post to win the game whilst Ryan Finnerty sat a hooking penalty (38:26). With Jody Lehman lifted for the extra skater, Jason Silverthorn fired into the empty net (59:34) to round off the scoring.

Phil Osaer was in fine form and got his blocker to an early shot from Legue.

When Jonathan Phillips took a holding penalty Devils failed to get a single shot on goal, though Silverthorn skated across the front but was crowded wide.

When Teplitsky took a slashing penalty, Osaer didn't have a shot to save either, but only because his defence whipped the puck off Doug Sheppard's toes at the net.

Back at full strength, Silverthorn's shot was deflected by Max Birbraer close-in but Lehman made the save. He was saving again from Birbraer seconds later and the move ended with Teplitsky scoring from the opposite wing.

Osaer made a good save from Ian Manzano, but Lehman went one better saving after ex-Steeler Matt Towe picked out Prpich 10 feet in front and his defence cleared the danger.

The period ended with Joey Talbot getting down the right but his crisp shot was gloved.

With Sheffield killing a too many men penalty Sylvain Deschalet and Teplitsky forced saves.

Back at full strength Sheppard and Legue tried their luck to no avail, before Birbraer drove the the left post but Lehman froze the puck.

Talbot and Finnerty both edged chances wide as they arrived onto passes at the back pos,t then Lehman laid on the puck after Phil Hill's left wing shot fell to Brad Voth who should have done better.

Deschalet and Dagenais clashed in front of the Sheffield bench and as a melee developed at least 2 Cardiff players leapt off their bench to join in leaving the home side outnumbered in the scuffles.

However other than a single minor a-piece the only further penalty ref Hanson assessed was a misconduct to Dagneais.

As the sides returned to 5-on-5 Silverthorn took a holding the stick minor. Cardiff killed that one, but with Sheffield pressing Legue fired in from the top of the slot and Ashley Tait at Osaer's right post popped home the rebound.

There was a lengthy stoppage as the ice was cleared of teddy bears (a pre-arranged event to follow Sheffield's first goal). Devils looked the more focussed and when Finnerty took a hooking penalty, Garrow was left acres of room at Lehman's right post to tap home.

Late penalties in quick succession gave Sheffield 79 seconds of 5-on-3 play, split by the second interval. But the home side again failed to test Osaer as once again the Devils defence whisked the puck away in the nick of time. This time Talbot was the unlucky Steeler.

Talbot jumped over Steve Munn's left wing shot but Osaer wasn't phased and made the save.

Ominously Devils were the one creating the better chances and Warren Tait's tripping penalty near his own net found Lehman twice denying Teplitsky.

Although the home side plugged away the biggest save came from Lehman, as Mattius Petricko skated from right to left and tried to wrap the puck behind the goalie.

With 70 seconds remaining Lehman was pulled for the extra skater, but Legue couldn't force the puck home at the right post and after the resulting scuffle had died down Sheffield called a timeout with 67 seconds left in the game.

Sheffield won the face off. Devils belted the puck down the ice yet no icing was called. A frustrated home team complained vociferously and Finnerty earned himself a misconduct for his pains.

With 37 seconds remaining Lehman was lifted again but Osaer only had one save to make from Ashley Tait. As Devils cleared their zone once again Silverthorn found the empty net from the Sheffield half and the points were heading back to South Wales.