For the second time this season, Guildford Flames beat Cardiff Devils in a one-goal game, edging out the Devils in a tight contest at a sold-out Spectrum.
“It was a fun, really hard-fought game from both teams,” said Flames’ Josh Waller, who scored the game’s only goal. “Those types of games are really enjoyable when everyone is battling for each other, and it was nice to get the one and come out on top.”
Both teams came flying out of the gates in a fast, physical opening period, trading chances early. Cardiff struck the post inside the opening minutes, while Guildford were handed the first powerplay of the night after a slashing call on Riley Brant but could not convert. The first period ended without goals.
“It was different for me, I’ve always been on the other bench when I’m playing here,” began Brett Ferguson, who returned to the Spectrum for the first time since joining the Devils. “It was great to see the fans and my old friends on the team. It would have been better if we got a win, but fun to come back here. The tribute they did for me at the beginning was very nice and I really respect and thank the organisation for that.”
In the second, Jonathan Racine attempted to play a high puck which deflected out of play, giving Cardiff a powerplay they did not take advantage of. As the clock wound down, both sides continued to create good looks, but neither could find a breakthrough. Tempers then boiled over late in the frame when Racine and Cedric Lacroix dropped the gloves, resulting in another Devils powerplay, but Taz Burman and the Flames penalty kill held firm to send the game scoreless into the third.
The breakthrough finally came 4:48 into the final period when Waller’s effort went in with traffic in front of Ben Bowns to put Guildford ahead.
“It was a bit of a relief to see that one go in,” added Waller. “We’d had a lot of chances before then, it was nice to get one finally.”
Bowns kept Cardiff in it with an excellent poke check and sliding save to deny Guildford a second, while Burman continued to stand tall at the other end. The Devils pulled Bowns with 77 seconds remaining in search of an equaliser, but Guildford closed the game out.
Burman finished with a 24-shot shutout, securing two valuable points for the Flames.
Photo: John Uwins
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