Stoever earns Devils shootout win

Photo: Aled Jones

Cardiff Devils and Manchester Storm played out another tight contest, with the Devils taking the extra point in a shootout after Storm forced overtime with a late equaliser.

Kohen Olischefski gave Cardiff the lead just over two minutes into the game with a rare Devils powerplay goal.

The home side controlled much of the opening period and struck the crossbar before Cole Sanford also went close to doubling the advantage.

Brandon Estes fired narrowly wide early in the second period, while Evan Weninger produced an excellent glove save to deny Gleason Fournier from the point. Storm struck back on the rush at 28:11, with Brandon Cutler beating Christian Stoever to level the game.

Manchester then took the lead at 34:08 when Nick Welsh’s point shot made its way through traffic, possibly taking a deflection on its way past Stoever.

The Devils tied the game 63 seconds into the third period. Estes intercepted a clearance at the blue line and fired high past Weninger from the top of the circle. Joey Martin almost put Cardiff ahead soon after but was denied by a strong save from Weninger.

With 2:37 remaining, Cardiff regained the lead following a Storm powerplay. Estes snapped a shot through traffic from a faceoff win, which appeared to deflect off Riley Brandt in front.

Storm were not finished, though, and inside the final 50 seconds a bouncing puck deflected off Stephen Johnson’s skate and into the net. The play was reviewed for a distinct kicking motion but the goal stood. It came on the powerplay after Jimmy Oligny was penalised for shooting the puck out of play.

Neither side could find a winner in overtime, sending the game to a shootout. Riley Brandt scored in the final round, and when Gilmour was denied by Stoever, the Devils claimed the extra point.