GAME THREAD: Devils v Steelers: WED: CUP Semi-final 2nd leg.

[mark]

Last years team was one of those that was greater than the sum of its parts, a couple of personnel changes have made it less than it was last year plus some have got a year older and a stride slower. Then there is the added burden of the CHL where playing at such a high level empties the tank quicker and with a relatively small squad compared to the opposition teams it can and did lead to injuries. We also were fortunate with injuries last season, not so much this year but that is how the game goes sometimes. It's also fair to say that Belfast, Cardiff and Nottingham have stepped up a level from last year.

The screw up by the officials in the 1st leg didn't cost us a place in the final, if you are hiding behind that as an excuse you are mistaken, conceding four goals in the second leg is what cost us.

The CHL performances show the level we can reach under Fox, there will be a number of current players missing from next season's squad and it will be no secret that we will already be approaching new players.

Yes I'm disappointed we lost but that is part of supporting a club, it's not just about when we are winning as anyone who experienced the Norton Lea era or the decline under Thompson will tell you. Success in sport always goes in circles, some people need to remember that.

[Bryan]

Last years team was one of those that was greater than the sum of its parts, a couple of personnel changes have made it less than it was last year plus some have got a year older and a stride slower. Then there is the added burden of the CHL where playing at such a high level empties the tank quicker and with a relatively small squad compared to the opposition teams it can and did lead to injuries. We also were fortunate with injuries last season, not so much this year but that is how the game goes sometimes. It's also fair to say that Belfast, Cardiff and Nottingham have stepped up a level from last year.

The screw up by the officials in the 1st leg didn't cost us a place in the final, if you are hiding behind that as an excuse you are mistaken, conceding four goals in the second leg is what cost us.

The CHL performances show the level we can reach under Fox, there will be a number of current players missing from next season's squad and it will be no secret that we will already be approaching new players.

Yes I'm disappointed we lost but that is part of supporting a club, it's not just about when we are winning as anyone who experienced the Norton Lea era or the decline under Thompson will tell you. Success in sport always goes in circles, some people need to remember that.

I cannot understand the arithmetic here. We were beaten 7-6. That is by one goal. The nonsense at the arena made a crucial difference. To suggest we are “hiding behind it as an excuse” is rather insulting. It is just a fact that things would have been different. Who knows how many risks Devils would have taken when 3 behind. Who knows how we might have handled OT. Of course we were truly awful last night. Both things are true not one or the other.

[jas]

As many have alluded to already, this was a woeful performance. Regardless of injuries, we have gone from all conquering to very erratic. Realistically, the league has gone and now the Challenge Cup. Of course I would like to see a good hard push in the playoffs but we are not playing consistently enough to be serious contenders. I was happy to be keeping so many players this season, but now think we need a good clear out and re-build for the next

[bladerunner]

Me and my son watched the stream from home and like many were screaming at the TV for the team to pull their socks up. The performance as almost everyone has eluded was way below average. Some players are without doubt hanging on to an additional year without the fitness or desire needed.
I do have faith in Fox and think he should continue. I would prefer the organisation put more effort into the hockey rather than the razzmatazz around it.
We have already bought our hotel and tickets for the playoffs and I really hope the team can get it together like they did for the CHL. I have to agree that that's our only realistic silverware opportunity this season.
Look forward to next year and perhaps a party at the Playoffs even if we are not in it.

[Doom]

Fox is fine as coach, that would just be daft to get rid of him. We've had injuries galore after the CHL and we've been trying to claw back from that ever since. Unfortunately the players just haven't been good enough as a group to do so.

There's players who do look to have gone on one too many years - Vallerand and Ciampini. There's those who've struggled to replicate form of last year - Balmas, Watling, Diffley as prime examples (although injury may be the reason). Some just haven't been good enough - Leavens (although definitely had injuries), Guimond, and unfortunately Whistle. I like him, but he's just too lightweight and turns the puck over way too much.

There's a couple that are also playing too high up the line up but that's an issue of not having another high quality centre.

But all of them tonight made horrible individual errors - that's not on Fox. Poor turnovers, poor reading of plays, losing men - that's 100% on the players.

I'd agree with most of this.

I was never convinced by the signing of Leavens because of his horrible +/- the season before. He's done OK for us and currently sits in the middle of our +/-, but he's certainly not top line material.

It's interesting looking at other players at the bottom end of our +/-. Ciampini is bottom, followed by Tansey and Balmas.

I'm not including Vainio because he's not played enough.

Ciampini is a smart hockey player, but I guess his legs are starting to go. I'm not sure what's happened to Tansey and Balmas, because neither have come close to the heights of last season (injury?).

I would have sat Ciampini for the Cardiff game and put Tansey up front again.

Top of our +/- are Cormier, Juusola and Huttula.

Although Juusola is quite quiet at the moment, I think all 3 of those have had decent seasons and I'd be happy to re-sign them.

Our Brit pack is another concern. Dowd is again comfortably our top Brit, but he can't go on forever. We need at least one other top end Brit next season.

It's going to be an interesting summer with a much bigger turnover of players than last season.

For me Fox is untouchable this season, but if we fall a long way short next season then it certainly wouldn't be unreasonable to question him.

Onwards and upwards to the playoffs. Let's hope we find our mojo for those.

Regards

Doom

[Doom]

Just to add, let's hope Golod's issues get sorted positively and we see him back before the playoffs.

He brings pace and a high level of skill to our lineup. I don't think it was any coincidence that Leavens played a lot better on a line with Golod.

Regards

Doom

[stans lad]

Regarding Tansey and Balmas being bottom of the +\- it certainly reflects the impression I've had of them this season.
Aren't they both on uni deals? so perhaps they are unable to give the attention the team require.

[ginger]

Regarding Tansey and Balmas being bottom of the +\- it certainly reflects the impression I've had of them this season.
Aren't they both on uni deals? so perhaps they are unable to give the attention the team require.

Certainly plausible, especially if a while since having to combine study and playing. I also think both have had injuries this year, even if not bad enough to keep them out of the line up.