GAME THREAD: Steelers v Devils Challenge Cup Semi-final, Sunday, 23rd February 7:30pm

[Jayboy]

WE take on Cardiff Devils again, but this time it's for a place in the Final of the Challenge Cup one match not home and away! the winner tonight goes straight through to the final...

[SteelerBlade]

Play the same way whilst being more clinical in front of goal then we’ll be okay.

But this is a different game, different officials and both sides have a good idea what the other is about.

[Nathan]

Neutral announcer?

[smbmetal]

Another close game I think. Was good to see a good 3 period performance on Sunday which we were unlucky not to win.

Still no Vally for this I think I heard fox say in his post interview?

Stay out of the box and we should just about be ok. 3-2 Steelers.

[JoeySlats#13]

Huge game, if we perform as we did last night, I would expect us to win, however, we know it's going to be tough against the Devils. We must stay out of the box, their PP is a strong point but 5v5 I thought we outplayed them especially over the 60 mins.

Hopeful we see Vallerand return and to be honest I would start Barry again in this one. Hopefully another classic as we saw Sunday, but I'd take a scrappy 1-0 win in the 60th minute at this point.

[BontSteeler]

Vallerand starts, we win, if he doesn't I worry who will step up.

Still got a sneaky feeling we will win, I'll go 3-2 win, Mosey with the winner.

[JoeySlats#13]

No Vallerand for this game - just listened to Fox's post match

Likely to roll same lines - no decision on starting NM (I reckon Barry starts)

[Clowne57]

Play the way we did last night and bury our chances instead of fluffing & jobs a good um. I thought we controlled the game well and up to the 3rd period they struggled to make our D zone let alone get any decent chances. It’s the finish that is letting us down.

[paul johnston]

Since our game is based on speed and skating, we should have too much for what is a very slow and ponderous Devils D zone.
Again its all about Carruth and our shooters. 5v 5 yesterday we were miles the better team, stay pit of the box, take our chances, we should be in with a shout.

Also rather than up the physicality as a reaction to the Devils physical play, would like to see us set out to play physical yet not dirty from the off. Want to see us laying the body/finishing our checks strongly from the get go.

[Johnny777]

Don’t mean to jump the gun or tempt fate, but what date is the challenge cup final this season?