Well then folks, there is just three full weeks of the regular season to go and we can safely say that the title will go to one of three teams. Since we last looked at this, two "horses" have fallen and that leaves three runners fighting it out for the big prize which is the title of "EIHL League Champions 2015". One of the "fallers" have remounted in the shape of Nottingham and whilst they can mathematically catch the three: they need the three above them to lose every single remaining game and the way the fixtures are...it ain't going happen!
So who is going for gold, let's look at the contenders:
Cardiff Devils: My surprise packet of the season, and as I have said before - big props out to Andrew Lord and the very astute Todd Kelman for having a Devils side still in contention at this late stage of the season when many (myself included) thought they would burn (apologies for the pun) out. Devils have seven games to play and this includes three games against Sheffield and one against Nottingham. I just can't see them winning them all. Their lack of regulation wins in comparison to Braehead's (Braehead have six more at this moment) will ultimately cost them.
Sheffield Steelers: Sheffield's win last night (Wednesday) was crucial for them to maintain hopes of first league title since 2011. However with all six games left against teams in their own Conference then Gerad Adams' men will need to win each of these in regulation time and hope that Braehead have a late wobble. The five game winless streak in late December-early January could prove to be very costly as possibly will the late collapse last Sunday in Coventry. If the latter had not happened, Steelers could be very handily placed indeed.
Braehead Clan: Despite having less games to play than their chasing rivals, Clan are still in the box seat. Ryan Finnerty's men have one final game this Saturday against an Erhardt Conference side in Nottingham but then they finish with games against Edinburgh (twice), Hull and Fife. These are games many will expect them to win and in theory they should do just that but this is hockey for you. I said a few months ago that I expect Clan to win the Monteith Bowl, and I still stand by that prediction. Those regulation wins (30 out of 47 at the moment) have been a major factor.
So I am still sticking my neck out and predicting the Clan (in only their fifth season of existence) will be the ones celebrating come 22 March 2015. Sheffield will finish runners-up and Cardiff a very creditable third but it has been one of the most keenly fought title battles in the 10 years that the Elite League has been going. Just have the champagne on ice Finner, it won't be long before you can pop the celebratory corks! The ample lady is just clearing her throat for you and the Purple Army.
That's my final prediction, probably the kiss of death if you are a Clan player/official/supporter, but am I to be proven wrong? One can only wait and see. If you have a differing opinion, let us know here at FSB.
Thanks for reading guys. If you want to get involved please contact us on twitter or find us on Facebook and like us and leave a comment:-
@FrozenSteelBlog
@TomWalkeden
@FrozenSteelMNL
@hockeybhoy
@RatedRDG
Check out the Frozen Steel Podcast
Check out the Frozen Steel Match Night Talk Show
Or Email the team at frozen.steel.91@gmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment