Glasgow Clan coach Pete Russell says tonight’s opponents, Cardiff Devils did them a big favour when they first went down to South Wales earlier in the season.
The Clan go to Cardiff Devils looking to bounce back from two defeats in their last two away games as they round up a hectic month of February where this will be their 13th game in 27 days.
And Russell, while warning of a reaction from Cardiff for their two weekend losses at Belfast Giants as they tussle for the title, is expecting a response from his own players over two games where he admits they didn’t play at their best.
“Cardiff, along with Belfast Giants are in a two-way scrap for the league title and are level on points, with Giants going to Fife Flyers when we’re in Wales, so I’m sure we’ll have our hands full with them,” the Clan coach said.
“The first trip down there earlier in the season was a disaster, losing 8-1, and they probably did us the biggest favour because we really learned from that and it made us a better team.
“The most recent games have been much better and we’ve matched up really well against them. They’re a great team and will look to bounce back after losing their two games in Belfast at the weekend.
“But I know my guys and I know they’ll be better than they were at the weekend. We weren't happy at the way things went. It’s not just the results, it was more than that and we know we had much more to give and I’m expecting a big response if we want to finish as high as we can.”
As the month draws to a close, Russell says he’ll be pleased to head into March with only nine games to play in the month as they try to tie up third place and a spot in the play-offs, which will already be an improvement on last season.
But the Scot, who also coaches the GB national team, spoke of how the congested schedule has played havoc with his own training plans and intends to give his players a couple of days off to recharge their batteries.
He added: “We’ve put the miles in and it’s all about trying to find our ‘A’ game again. Since Christmas, we haven’t practised a lot, although we’ve had the odd week where we can work on things.
“However, it’s really hurt us the last few weeks. We’ll have played 13 games in 27 days in February after the game in Cardiff alone so that gives an idea of just how difficult it’s been for us in the last few weeks.
“With a run like that, you’re not going to practise much. Guys need rest and they’re looking forward to getting through this week and having a couple of days off before we get back to a normal build-up. We could be in a far worse position, to be honest.”
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