Cardiff Devils 4-1 Excel Hull Stingrays
The Excel Hull Stingrays tonight returned to South Wales and the scene of last month's 12-0 capitulation, and once again went down to the Cardiff Devils, this tie losing out by four goals to one.
Amazingly the Stingrays lead after 20 minutes play thanks to a fifth minute Konstantin Kalmikov shorthanded goal, however, after being out shot 26-2 that is as close to victory as Sylvain Cloutier's side would come.
Although they held that lead for more than half of the game mainly thanks to a man of the match performance from keeper Christian Boucher, a 35th minute marker from Cardiff coach Gerad Adams would end that resistance and a Jon Pelle powerplay goal two minutes later would finally give the home side the lead they deserved.
A further third period goal from Scott Matzka and another from Pelle gave the Devils a fairly comfortable 4-1 win that initially looked doubtful in a penalty strewn game.
Despite losing and being outshot 56-23, the Stingrays will leave South Wales with their dignity still in tact, unlike their last visit in the infamous 12-0 horror show.
The squad now break up for a four day Christmas break before taking to the ice against Newcastle in Whitley Bay on Monday, which is quickly followed by a home double header against Dundee and that same Newcastle side in a crucial three days for the team.
