Stoever keeps Sheffield out as Cardiff Devils earn 1-0 Challenge Cup win

Christian Stoever kept Sheffield Steelers scoreless as Cardiff Devils secured a 1-0 home victory to strengthen their bid for the Challenge Cup knockout stages.

Kristoff Kontos struck just 43 seconds into the opening period. That proved enough to beat the Group A leaders, with Stoever making repeated saves to preserve Cardiff’s advantage, BBC News reports.

Sheffield hit the pipework twice, while Riley Brandt and Nick Welsh also threatened for the Devils.

Cardiff head coach Paul Thompson called it a “classic win” and praised his goalkeeper’s contribution under sustained pressure.

“They probably had more offensive zone time against us than any team has had this year, but when they did get inside I thought [Stoever] was outstanding,” Thompson said.

“Sometimes you’ve just got to roll your sleeves up and battle, and that’s what we did,” he added.

How the group stood after the win

The result left Cardiff third with 10 points and two group fixtures remaining. Sheffield and Nottingham Panthers were two points ahead, each with only one match left.

Fourth-placed Guildford Flames also had 10 points, with a final fixture away to Coventry Blaze. Coventry and Manchester Storm remained in contention for third, having played fewer matches.

Group A’s first two teams advance directly to the semi-finals. The side finishing third must play an elimination tie against the runners-up from the smaller Group B.

Cardiff’s final group fixture is away to Manchester Storm on Sunday, 1 November.

Source: BBC News