EIHL Sunday Snap Shot: 22nd December 2013
The last action on the ice before Christmas is here – but never fear, it will be back sooner than you know…BOXING DAY! However, here’s a run-down of what’s to come this Sunday.
Clan @ Blaze (5:15pm face-off)
The Clan will no doubt be pumped up for this encounter off the back of a huge win over Fife, as in the back of their heads will be the knowledge that a loss for Belfast later in the evening could open up the door to a fight for the overall top spot in the Elite League standings.
Blaze, having suffered at the hands of Belfast, could be in for a tough night with their opponents coming in off the back of such a high.
It certainly was back down to a bump after last weekend’s victory over the Steelers, but a win before four important conference fixtures over six days after Christmas Day could be the best present for Coventry over the festive period.
Steelers @ Devils (6:00pm face-off)
The end of the resulting ban picked up by ex-Devil Andrew Conboy means an extra import for the home side tonight as they welcome the Steelers to Cardiff.
Hoping to turn things around from Saturday night will be high on the Devils’ agenda for the second part of this back-to-back weekend for these two sides, but they will draw confidence from having a home crowd behind them.
With Rob Dowd back in the side and scoring again, coach Christiansen will no doubt want more of the same again to make it a winning weekend and stay in the chasing pack.
Giants @ Stars (6:30pm face-off)
Belfast come in off the back of a resounding victory over Coventry Blaze, but face a sterner test tonight against third placed Dundee Stars.
The Stars picked up a confidence boosting win over the Clan midweek, and know they need a win at Dundee Ice Arena to keep up the chase on the league leaders.
However, three weeks ago when these sides faced each other in Dundee, Giants took a three goal lead after just the first quarter and the Stars were unable make any in-roads for the rest of the contest.
Stingrays @ Flyers (6:30pm face-off)
A few weeks ago, Fife managed to secure the penalty win over their visitors tonight due to the sure-fire shot of Tim Hartung, but with the boost of a major win over last season’s treble winners the Panthers, Hull Stingrays could prove to be more than Fife can handle.
Fife will also be out to improve on the tough defeat against the Clan, as they look to stay in the hunt for the playoffs.