Andrew Lord is putting his faith in his Cardiff Devils captain and two Brits to add attacking depth during the Elite League title run-in.
Josh Batch, a 6ft 4ins powerhouse from Essex, has joined forces with in-form centre Matthew Myers and captain Jake Morissette on an effective forward line.
That combination will play a key role in Devils’ Elite League matches against Coventry Blaze away on Saturday and Sheffield Steelers at home the following evening.
“They have played together in the past, part of last season,” said Lord. “Batchie has had one heck of a season on defence for us, but I feel we had gone a little bit away from our strengths and felt Batchie up front would help.
“He’s playing fast, playing physical and getting to the net. Those factors played a part in his goal against Glasgow Clan in midweek.
“Myersy has had a quality season for us, arguably one of or if not the best he’s had for us.
“We all know what Mo brings. He keeps it simple, does so many things exceptionally well and is a great PK guy.
“That line will give us added depth during an important part of the season. Playing Batchie up front is a key part of the recipe and he’s still playing on D a little bit plus our PK.”
Devils face a huge battle against Coventry Blaze at the Skydome. The home team are involved in a fiercely contested battle to finish in the Elite League top eight and qualify for the end-of-season play-offs.
#ThrowbackThursday
@JoeyMartin14 scored his 2⃣9⃣th league goal of the season last night – his highest tally as a Devil! (with 11 games left to play) 🐐 pic.twitter.com/M6SreJ9kur— Cardiff Devils (@cardiffdevils) February 28, 2019
Cardiff are level on points with Belfast Giants at the top with 11 fixtures left.
While Devils travel to Coventry (7pm) and then entertain Sheffield Steelers (4pm), Giants travel to Sheffield on Saturday (7pm) and then play Manchester Storm at home (4pm).
Cardiff v Sheffield does not count on Devils season tickets and the match starts at the earlier than usual time of 4pm.
Sunday: Devils v Steelers Tickets | Webcast
ELITE ICE HOCKEY LEAGUE 2018/19
| TEAM | GP | W | L | OTL | PTS | PCT | GF | GA | PIM | STREAK |
| Belfast Giants | 50 | 37 | 11 | 2 | 76 | .760 | 194 | 123 | 629 | 3-0 |
| Cardiff Devils | 49 | 35 | 8 | 6 | 76 | .776 | 196 | 130 | 561 | 1-0 |
| Glasgow Clan | 51 | 29 | 18 | 4 | 62 | .608 | 183 | 156 | 648 | 0-3 |
| Nottingham Panthers | 52 | 25 | 18 | 9 | 59 | .567 | 159 | 163 | 862 | 1-0 |
| Guildford Flames | 51 | 26 | 20 | 5 | 57 | .559 | 166 | 155 | 622 | 5-0 |
| Fife Flyers | 48 | 24 | 19 | 5 | 53 | .552 | 155 | 162 | 682 | 0-1 |
| Sheffield Steelers | 52 | 25 | 24 | 3 | 53 | .510 | 156 | 179 | 752 | 0-1 |
| Manchester Storm | 51 | 22 | 24 | 5 | 49 | .480 | 150 | 176 | 1067 | 1-0 |
| Coventry Blaze | 48 | 21 | 20 | 7 | 49 | .510 | 172 | 187 | 636 | 0-2 |
| Dundee Stars | 49 | 18 | 19 | 12 | 48 | .490 | 138 | 167 | 455 | 0-2 |
| Milton Keynes Lightning | 49 | 13 | 32 | 4 | 30 | .306 | 120 | 191 | 851 | 1-0 |