The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Lefebvre optimistic ahead of Devils clash
Upbeat Dundee Stars head coach Marc Lefebvre yesterday warned grand slamchasing Cardiff Devils: “We’re not here to make up the numbers.”
The Canadian playcaller has guided his side into the Elite League play-offs for the first time in the club’s history.
And he insists there is no pressure on his underdogs ahead of the semi-final clash at Nottingham today (1pm).
The winners will square-up to either Belfast Giants or Sheffield Steelers tomorrow at 4pm.
Stars are on a high after putting Braehead Clan out 6-1 on aggregate in the quarter finals.
Lefebvre his admitted his battlescarred troops have come through some tough times this season.
It is only in the final weeks of the season that his team got it together and marched into the play-offs.
The Canadian said: “Getting to the semi-finals is massive for the club and the fans. We’ve had their ups and downs since coming into the league, from winning the Conference a few years ago to finishing last place the season after.
“The fans know we’re not the biggest club in the world. They deserve to come to the party but there is zero pressure on us going into this.
“We were written off in January and people had us dead and buried.
“It was tough mentally at that time but we kept it going and found a way.”
Lefebvre’s men have lost 4-1 twice to Devils in Wales and have also gone down 4-2 and 5-4 after penalty shots on home ice.
Lefebvre would love to break that sequence when it matters most and he added: “We’re not feeling any pressure and it is important that the guys enjoy this experience.”
As for his game plan, Lefebvre said: “We’ll take it one shift at a time and see what happens. Cardiff are a great team. They’ve won every trophy so far.
“I have a lot of respect for Andrew (Lord) who’s done a great job in the last three seasons. We know we’re in for a tough battle but in a 60-minute game at a neutral venue anything can happen.
Stars netminder Joe Fallon goes into the Devils clash on a high.
The 32-year-old American, once drafted by National Hockey League side Chicago Blackhawks, was named this week’s Elite League player of the week.
Fallon played a key role in the quarterfinal success over Clan, making 52 out of 53 saves over both legs.
LeFebvre said: “What can I say about Joe Fallon? He’s been phenomenal and last weekend has been his best weekend of the season. We pay him for a reason and he’s had a great season for us.”
Fallon has recorded a .901 save percentage and leads the rest of the league in shutouts, with five for the season in all competitions, including two at Braehead.
Devils have no injury concerns as they head into the finals weekend, so their big hitters will be on display as they aim to end the weekend with a clean sweep of trophies.
Carrying a spare import though will mean coach Lord will have to leave someone out, which won’t be known until near face off time.
The Devils coach acknowledges there is pressure on his team, but insists it isn’t any different to what they’ve experienced this season.
“I can’t really put words on what it would mean to achieve a Grand Slam,” he told club website cardiffdevils.com
“In three years, how far we’ve come is simply incredible.
“We missed the play-offs in my first year, finishing second bottom. Now to have a league title, two Challenge Cups and some Conference trophies with his group is amazing.”
The 2017 Play-off Grand Final will be shown live by the BBC.
Live coverage of the showpiece event will be available from 3.55pm and will be streamed worldwide on the BBC Sport website, app and connected devices.
Commentary will be provided by BBC Sport presenter Seth Bennett and Coventry Blaze and Team GB forward Ashley Tait, with Owen Bradley rink-side throughout the final.
Today’s semi-finals are available to watch on EIHL.TV with live commentary of the Final Weekend on BBC 5 Live Sports Extra.