GAME REPORT: Three in final period for Cardiff leaves Clan frustrated

It was a frustrating night for the Glasgow Clan as the joy of Friday’s win in Manchester quickly evaporated Cardiff Devils took a 5-2 win from Braehead Arena.

The fact that all goals for both teams were scored on the powerplay gave an indication of what kind of night it was.

The first period didn’t offer a lot in terms of chances, so it was no surprise the opening session ended with no goals to show for it.

Blair Riley thought he’d got the opening goal for the Devils as he charged on the Clan goal, but his effort could do no better than the side netting.

Clan’s best opportunity came from Linden Springer, who smacked a shot from the inside left that rang the post at Ben Bowns’ right side post.

Devils got the opener in the first minute of the second period when Charles Linglet hit an early one across the Clan crease. Joey Haddad saw it early and responded with an angled low finish to put them ahead.

The home side were back on level terms shortly after as Matt Beca sent the puck across from the left, picking out Scott Pitt in space who delivered the finish at the back post on the powerplay.

Cardiff restored their lead in controversial circumstances as Blair Riley swept in a shot on the left side, but it was given despite Clan protests of an infringement on Nolan LaPorte in the build-up to the goal.

Glasgow weren’t put off by this and Travis Ehrhardt delivered an excellent equalising marker with a powerful finish from the blue line that flew over Bowns’ left shoulder to make it 2-2.

But a massive penalty kill as Cardiff look to take advantage of a five-on-three powerplay was brilliant dealt with as they had to make do without Matt Pufahl and Matt Haywood at one stage.

The game changed in the third period as Clan ran into penalty trouble, something the Devils took advantage of when Matt Pope’s shot was deflected into the path of Riley, who finished off the rebound.

Joey Martin was next to be on the scoresheet when he finished off his own rebounded chance and the game looked to be slipping away as the Clan were submerged under five-on-three penalties.

The fifth game from Sean McMonagle, who fired a shot into the net, coming off Patrick Killeen’s night and it compounded what was a disappointing night for the home side.

View the game sheet HERE