Cardiff Devils’ Player/Coach Andrew Lord says their return to the top of the Elite League was down to his team’s character.

Despite blowing a three-goal lead at Edinburgh Capitals to lose 5-4, victories against Braehead Clan and Dundee Stars ensured Lord returned to Wales a happy man.

“Call me crazy, because we gave up two three-goal leads and to do that twice in a weekend hurts, but I am delighted with the players,” he said.

“We found something on this trip. The long bus trips, being together in the hotel and working hard for each other helped us become closer than ever as a group.

“The guys are having more fun out there, playing with more passion, blocking more shots. Over the 180 minutes and more I was pleased with that aspect of our performances.

“We have work to do and our video session on Friday will look at where we lost our way at times.

“We lost our composure against Edinburgh and didn’t get it back, while against Dundee we lost our composure and all of a sudden we had leadership and the coaches stepping up and saying ‘Guys, let’s stay in the moment and forget what has happened’.

“Because of that the game against Stars didn’t get away from us. It was an absolutely beautiful win. The guys were mentally and physically tired, but they gutted it out. This win against Dundee was huge.”

Cardiff now play Coventry Blaze away on Saturday with the teams meeting again at the Big Blue Tent the following evening.