Andrew Lord reflected on a ‘crazy’ night of ice hockey in Cardiff Bay when Coventry Blaze emerged 6-4 winner.
Cardiff Devils went into the fixture having won nine of their 10 Elite League fixtures, but they went down to a Blaze team who were fast and furious with their counter-attacking.
“It was a crazy night, one of the crazier nights I’ve been involved in over the six years I’ve been in the UK,” said head coach Lord.
“They were turnovers in critical spots on the ice which gave Blaze odd man rushes. They are a great counter-attacking team and we knew that.
“They capitalised on chances.
“I’ve seen hints of this coming over the last few games when we have not quite been at our best.
“We faced a hungry team who took their chances and were strong defensively.”
Devils killed four minutes of 5v3 Blaze powerplays, three penalties called during the same stoppage in play.
“That was unbelievable, players put bodies on the line and blocked shots. But we took too many penalties.
“There were three unsportsmanlike calls against us and that’s incredibly rare. I’ve known Jake Morissette for 15 years and I’m not sure I’ve seen him called for unsportsmanlike conduct before.
“We need to respond in Nottingham and play far better. Panthers are a great team who play an up tempo game and skate well.
“It’s been a fantastic season for us so far and we need to respond to our home defeat against Blaze when we take on Panthers.”
The next test for Devils is against Nottingham Panthers away on Sunday (this afternoon).
Cardiff Devils remaining fixtures in November
Sunday 4 v Nottingham Panthers (away, 4pm)
Wednesday 7 v Fife Flyers (home, 7.30pm)
Saturday 10 v MK Lightning (away, 7pm)
Sunday 11 v Belfast Giants (home, 6pm)
Saturday 17 v Nottingham Panthers (home, 7pm)
Sunday 18 v Dundee Stars (away, 5pm)
Wednesday 21 v Fife Flyers (home, 7.30pm)
Saturday 24 v Manchester Storm (away, 7pm)
Sunday 25 v MK Lightning (home, 6pm)
Devils match tickets:
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