Goalie Ben Bowns loves the Devils D-corps who give him the cover and protection he needs in Elite League.
Andrew Hotham, Gleason Fournier, Mark Richardson and Co have been immense this season, while Bowns describes former NHL man Tyson Strachan ‘the most laid-back defender I have ever played behind.’
The cool and composed Strachan has added a new dynamic to the Cardiff Devils’ blue line unit, helping the Welsh team open a clear lead at the top.
Devils are five points ahead of second-placed Belfast Giants with two games in hand.
Bowns says: “Strachs is awesome. That NHL knowhow and experience shines through.
“He is the most laid-back defender I have played behind. All of our defensive do a terrific job.
“We also have a lot of guys back from last season and they know how to handle the pressure.
“It was a massive high beating Sheffield Steelers in the Challenge Cup semi-final, but now we come back down to earth for what is a crucial League match at Milton Keynes Lightning.”
Former Devils players Guillaume Doucet and Denny Kearney, who has 37 points in 37 matches this season, are in the Lightning team, while Czech Republic’s ex-Nottingham goalie Jindrich Pacl, will be between the pipes if Miika Wiikman fails a fitness test.
Kearney returns after suspension to boost Lightning who badly need a home win to keep their play-off hopes alive.
Cardiff have the best powerplay in Elite league with a 29.61% success rate, while Joey Martin is the joint sixth highest point forward and he has scored five points in his last five games.
Devils are also in action on Sunday when Nottingham Panthers visit Ice Arena Wales (6pm).
To book tickets for Devils matches CLICK HERE or CALL 0800 0842 666 to book, while CLICK HERE for the full fixtures list.
ELITE LEAGUE SCORING LEADERS
Regular 2017
| Rk | Player | Team | G | A | Pts | PIM |
| 1 | Mike Hammond | MAN | 27 | 41 | 68 | 8 |
| 2 | John Dunbar | GUI | 18 | 44 | 62 | 26 |
| 3 | Sebastien Sylvestre | BEL | 24 | 31 | 55 | 128 |
| 4 | Dane Byers | MAN | 16 | 37 | 53 | 89 |
| 5 | Brendan Connolly | BEL | 17 | 35 | 52 | 116 |
| 6 | Matt Beca | MAN | 19 | 32 | 51 | 4 |
| 7 | Joey Martin | CAR | 19 | 32 | 51 | 24 |
| 8 | Jesse Craige | GUI | 9 | 42 | 51 | 47 |
| 9 | Calle Ackered | GUI | 15 | 35 | 50 | 24 |
| 10 | Marc-Olivier Vallerand | COV | 25 | 24 | 49 | 114 |
ELITE LEAGUE GOALIE LEADERS
Regular 2017
| Rk | Player | Team | W | L | GA | GAA |
| 1 | Ervins Mustukovs | SHF | 23 | 13 | 92 | 2.39 |
| 2 | Patrick Galbraith | NOT | 12 | 5 | 37 | 2.39 |
| 3 | Ben Bowns | CAR | 29 | 7 | 93 | 2.45 |
| 4 | Andy Iles | FIF | 23 | 9 | 89 | 2.66 |
| 5 | Chris Carrozzi | GUI | 19 | 10 | 89 | 2.79 |
| 6 | Mike Clemente | MAN | 24 | 12 | 120 | 2.92 |
| 7 | Ryan Nie | BRA | 16 | 20 | 125 | 3.13 |
| 8 | Kevin Nastiuk | COV | 14 | 23 | 129 | 3.20 |
| 9 | Jackson Whistle | BEL | 24 | 11 | 116 | 3.22 |
| 10 | Miika Wiikman | MKL | 12 | 19 | 107 | 3.50 |