Manchester Storm coach Cameron Critchlow is looking forward to locking horns with Cardiff Devils again this weekend – and has identified where his team can be a threat.

After a hectic Christmas and New Year period, Storm are looking good in fifth place after picking up five wins from the last seven games.

And now Critchlow has his sights on the Devils, who themselves are looking at league leaders Nottingham Panthers above them.

“⁠⁠It’s a great matchup,” he said. “It’s two teams that seem to have developed a nice rivalry this season. We’ve beat them once at home in overtime and we will be looking to deny them point this upcoming Saturday.

“Looking ahead, our special teams will have to be sharp and the powerplay will have to produce against a strong Cardiff team that can be difficult or to generate against five-on-five.

“We will have to test their commitment to the defensive side of the puck and make it as difficult as possible on them.”

Critchlow also looked back on the festive period and deemed it a success after picking up 10 points from a possible 14.

But insists any pre-season targets are firmly the same as they head into the second half of the season.

He added: “I think the results were in our favour. Looking back, I would say it was a successful holiday period as we were able to gain some ground on the teams we are currently chasing.

“But ⁠⁠the target (for us) is to win a trophy. I’ve said it since the first day I spoke to each player during the recruiting process and I like our commitment to that goal.”

By: Craig Anderson