By Kris Smith
The Stars face Cardiff Devils for the third time this season and are also looking for their first win of the season against the reigning Elite league Playoff champions.
Last night, Dundee came back from behind twice to force overtime and a shootout against Guildford Flames before going on to win the match, thanks to Anthony Beauregard’s converted penalty that lifted them off the foot of the Elite League table.
Whereas, Cardiff were in Manchester and went 1-0 up early against the Storm but a third period equaliser cancelled out Stephen Dixon’s goal before the Canadian netted his second to steal the points away with them.
The Tayside team return to the Viola Arena where on their last visit they were involved in a 14-goal thriller.
The second-placed Devils won both previous match-ups this season and have out-scored the Stars 12-8 but Pacha’s squad are ready to test the Andrew Lord’s men once again.
Although, they will still be without, defenseman Kris Inglis as he continues his recovery from an upper body injury but forward, Alex Schoenborn made his return to the line-up in Saturday’s shootout win over the Flames.
The American missed only one game after picking up a small tweak in Nottingham last week.
Before the weekend, Stars Head Coach, Omar Pacha assessed his side’s chances against the Devils.
He said: “Cardiff are a team that we haven’t seen in a while, so it is going to be interesting to see what they bring but it is always a tough day with all the travel.
“It’s hard to think about because we have to focus on Guildford but we must go to Cardiff with a good mindset and if you play well defensively in Cardiff then you definitely give yourself a chance to win.”
While, Dundee defender, Craig Gans is confident that if the Stars can contain the dangerous Devils offence then they will have the opportunity to take some points back home with them.
He said: “Cardiff are a top team in this league, so it is always going to be a tough game against them.
“We have to continue playing good hockey like we have done in the past few weeks and we have just been playing a lot tighter lately.
“So, I think if we just continue our game play and defensive play from the last few weeks then I think we will stand a chance to contain them to limited scoring chances and limited goals.”
Tonight’s match in Wales will begin at 6pm.
(Picture by: Dave Williams)
