Though the Kirkland Lake Blue Devils are a much improved team, the Sudbury Cubs still have Jordan Carroll.

The team captain scored the game-winning goal with 1:34 remaining, adding an empty-net insurance marker as Sudbury stopped the Blue Devils 6-4 Wednesday night at the McClelland Arena in Copper Cliff.

After an absolutely horrendous start in their inaugural season of NOJHL play, the Kirkland Lake franchise have turned the ship around, finding themselves increasingly competitive.

The visiting Blue Devils after the opening period, with Connor McNally and Travis Jones answering an ice-breaker from Nick Esposto of the Cubs.

Joey Ftoma increased the Kirkland Lake lead to a pair of goals with a second period power play marker before Sudbury stormed back with three goals in less than five minutes.

Esposto, with his second, Mark Zagordo and Jamie Haines struck swiftly for coach Rod MacKenzie, restoring the Cubs' lead to 4-3 with twenty minutes to play.

Winston Hofer netted the third Kirkland Lake goal of the game with the man advantage, deadlocking the teams at 4-4 and setting the stage for Carroll's late game heroics.

In the process, Sudbury increased their East Division lead to eight points, now preparing for the 2012 portion of their schedule.

The team is back in action at home on January 4th, with the league-leading Soo Thunderbirds in town for a visit.