Elite Report: Week 9 Preview

In the last of this week's articles, we look ahead to this weekend's action in the Elite League. It's the ninth weekend of action and can we continue where we left off last weekend with some accurate predicting. Probably not but who knows what we might achieve. Getting a full set would certainly be cause for celebration haha.

Saturday night:

Belfast Giants v Braehead Clan

Clan have a decent record in Belfast but they have been too hot and cold this season for us to have any confidence that they will come back across the Irish Sea with anything. Giants should win, but it could be closer than some might imagine. Verdict: It's all teal in another regulation home win.

Manchester Storm v Cardiff Devils

The Storm are a much improved side this season and nobody gets an easy game out of them; Cardiff need to heed this to the letter. However, the depth in the Devils roster is probably one of the reasons why they are most people's favourites to win the league. Verdict: Storm blown away in regulation.

Nottingham Panthers v Edinburgh Capitals

Want your banker for Saturday night? Well look no further than this one to be honest. As much as Edinburgh have been better than most expect them, I can't see anything more than a home ice triumph in the Lace City. Verdict: Panthers to maul Caps in 60 minutes.

Sunday night:

Braehead Clan v Nottingham Panthers

The battle of the Neil Black siblings. Clan know full well they need to be more consistent at home and what better way than sending an early season message to the Panthers. Panthers will be happy to inflict another home loss though. Verdict: Renfrew to rejoice a home win; albeit in overtime.

Cardiff Devils v Belfast Giants

Giants were the first team to play Cardiff in Ice Arena Wales. This could be an interesting clash as both sides could easily upset each other. Will Nickerson and Bordeleau drop the gloves? That could be an interesting side event. Verdict: Giants to be slain as the Red Army continue to win.

Edinburgh Capitals v Manchester Storm     

Could be an interesting encounter this one. A battle between two sides who have definitely improved week on end. Mike Clementè will not remember his last visit to Murrayfield; with the slip in the shootout. Can Caps get back to winning ways? We think so. Verdict: Pach to crash in overtime.

Dundee Stars v Fife Flyers

So the final game of Sunday, is a East Coast battle between two sides who have had differing fortunes this season. Dundee will want to improve and try to lift themselves from the bottom of the table; Flyers want to get back in a winning groove. Verdict: Flyers to take off and get a road win in a shootout.


So that's the weekend ahead of us, and those are our predictions. What's your call on them?
        

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