By Kris Smith
The Stars can also climb back into the top eight playoff spots with a win tonight as they currently sit ninth on 15 points after 25 matches, which is just one point behind Fife Flyers, who have played 25 and two points behind, Manchester Storm after 22 games.
Last night saw the Stars battle back but come up short as they went down 5-3 away to Cardiff Devils.
Cardiff had opened up a 2-0 lead inside the opening 90 seconds as Cole Sanford capitalised on the first chance of the game and Brodie Reid’s pass would take a lucky deflection in off the skate of a Dundee defender.
Ben Sokay’s shot then found its way past Ben Bowns in the Cardiff goal after hitting the legs of Ian Parker in front of goal, to make it 2-1, but Sanford would then restore the home side’s two-goal lead as he tipped Reece Kelly’s long-range effort past Anton Svensson.
Sokay would then score off a turnover from behind the Devils net to make it a one-goal game again, but once more the Devils hit back with a quick response as Ryan Penny squeezed his shot through the legs of the Stars goalie.
The only goal of the second period went to the Devils as Sanford completed his hat-trick but was made to work for it as Svensson denied the first two shots before a second rebound fell straight to the Canadian for an easy backhanded finish.
Sokay would then score again in the final minute of the game to make it 5-3 and the Stars almost made it a one-goal game just seconds later, but there would not be enough time left to take the two points away from Cardiff.
Meanwhile, Sheffield are currently second in the league and trying to close a seven-point gap to the leaders, Guildford Flames and come to Tayside off the back of a 6-3 win in Glasgow over the Clan, last night.
Evan Mosey had the Steelers in front inside the opening two minutes and Daniel Campini would double their lead before the end of the first period.
In the second, Matthew Petgrave made it 3-0 for Aaron Fox’s men but Steven McParland would get Glasgow on the board in the final minute.
The third period then saw a flurry of goals as Brandon Whistle and Brett Neumann netted either side of Kevin Massy’s strike for Clan, then Mitch Jones made it 5-3, before Scott Allen shot into an empty Glasgow goal.
So far this season, the Steelers have won both contests in Dundee as they claimed 7-1 and 5-0 wins on Tayside, but the Stars remain unbeaten in Sheffield.
Discussing tonight’s home game against Sheffield, Stars Head Coach, Jeff Mason said: “It is going to be a very quick turnaround after the long trip to Cardiff but our start and ability to manage the game well early on will be key.
“They are a team that we have been able to play well against for a number of minutes both at home and on the road, but they are a team that if you give them time and space, or let up for just a small amount of time, then they can put the game out of reach.”
Stars defenseman, Drydn Dow then added: “Sheffield is a really strong side this year so it is important that we play tight in our D-zone and limit their chances.
“We need to make sure we play the right way in all areas to help us generate chances and not give up odd man rushes or opportunities they can take advantage of.”
Face-off is at 5pm.
