Balmas scores but Steelers can’t find another as they lose the tie 7-6 over two legs
The Cardiff Devils will progress to the final of the Challenge Cup after beating the Steelers 4-1 in Cardiff.
The victory means that the Devils win the two game series 7-6
Devils rushed to a 2-0 first period lead, extended it to 4-0 early in the final period before Mitchell Balmas scored Steelers only goal to reduce the aggregate deficits to just 1
Steelers did all they could in the final stages to force the tie to overtime but it wasn’t to be and it is the Devils who progress to the final.
Steelers welcomed back Mark Simpson who missed the majority of Sunday’s game in Coventry, whilst new signing Sam Tremblay also made the line up. Veeti Vainio missed out (along with Cole Shudra (ill) meaning Kevin Tansey went back to his regular position of the blue line.
The Devils also had their line up bolstered with Josh MacDonald and Gleason Fournier returning.
End of Period 1: Cardiff Devils 2-0 Steelers (5-5)
Steelers started the second period with Dominic Cormier firing into the glove of Carruth, moments later Watling went inches close after taking the pass in his skates and somehow getting his shot away
Devils then came hard, Greenfield with a big pad save, the Cardiff with a 2 on 1 with Cormier saving the day with a great interception.
Sanford with a tip that whistled past Greenfields goal.
30.45 and the Devils lead the tie for the first time when Zach O’Brien fired through a screen and Matt Greenfield for a 3-0 lead and a 6-5 advantage
Steelers had their chances, two power-plays back to back, 32.53 and a bench minor for too many men followed by a hooking call on Fournier at 35.53
Juusola had the best chance but fired wide, Devils were playing desperate and blocking everything, Steelers couldn’t find a way through.
Tansey had a late chance as he joined the rush, his shot was saved and smothered by Carruth
End of the second period Cardiff Devils 3-0 (6-5)
Early power-play for the Steelers with Sanford off for high sticks
Third power-play of the night and you felt Steelers must make this one count, it was better with chances created especially the one for Watling with Carruth making the big save.
Just as Cardiff returned to full strength they intercepted a pass from Patrick Watling and Batch and Martin did their thing with Martin finishing the move for 4-0 and more importantly (7-5 on aggregate)
Cardiff were on the front foot and creating, Steelers were fighting and Vallerand went close from a tight angle. Saucerman was next with a shot that flew past the post
47.21 and light at the end of the tunel as Mitchell Balms fired one iver Carruth’s shoulder for 4-1, Steelers needed just one more goal to take this to overtime
Watling to Whistle who fired over the cross bar, Balmas with a double chance with what seemed like an open net in front of him, somehow Carruth made the save.
Steelers were throwing everything at it but couldn’t’ find a way through.
Greenfield to the bench, an empty net at the other end and more chances for the Steelers, Cormiers shot was tipped by Dowd just wide.
Then with 23 seconds remaining the officials called a roughing call on Cormier to the Steelers astonishment, it all but finished the game. Steelers pulled Greenfield once again but to no avail and the Devils ended the game 4-1 victors (7-6 on aggregate)
Cardiff will face either Belfast or Nottingham in the final