So we have had the half time report of the Gardiner Conference sides. How do the teams in the Erhardt Conference measure up then? Remember this article was planned before this weekend's games so if you think it looks outdated, there's your explanation thrown back to you right there. Sit back and read on...
Erhardt Conference
Belfast Giants: New coach, new ideas. That's the way you can sum up the Giants for this season. Sure they have retained a lot, again, of last season's squad but also got some quality in former NHLer Kris Beech and experienced forward James Desmarais. Come to think of it, player-coach Derrick Walser isn't too bad either. Walser has landed himself in the proverbial hot water a few times; but I like that in a coach: it shows to me his passion for his team and the game. If they get on a run of form; Giants could be this season's dark horses for the title. Don't underestimate them.
Cardiff Devils: The big question before the season started: was last season a flash in the pan and would Andrew Lord be a one season wonder in coaching terms? I think the answer to that has been categorically answered in the negative. Devils are a tough team to beat, and in the Big Blue Tent: almost impregnable to be honest. They move to their new home in the New Year, and one can only but wonder - will this derail any bid for a championship? They do have quality in the roster from front to back, and that is a major positive for the "Red Army". How they would react to a dip in form remains to be noted.
Coventry Blaze: Chuck Weber was seen as the new messiah when he changed the fortunes of the Warwickshire side and led them to a surprise play-off final win last term. However his much changed side have failed to build on this and at the writing; prop up the rest of the Elite League. Brian Stewart has been as dependable as ever in between the pipes, but it's scoring which has undermined Blaze this season: they are simply not lighting the lamp often enough. This needs to be rectified otherwise Blaze will miss out on a possible defence of their play-off trophy; and add to what has been so far: a real disappointment.
Nottingham Panthers: Panthers started this season with a point to prove after a 2015 season which could have spelled curtains for Corey Neilson. But Neil Black and Gary Moran have persevered with the most decorated coach in black and gold of his generation. Miika Wiikman has proved to be an excellent replacement for the now retired K-Wall, and former NHLer Cam Janssen has given the team energy and passion. They are not to be taken lightly, and I wouldn't bet against them picking up some form of silverware this season. The question remains: which one?
Sheffield Steelers: The current Monteith Bowl holders have had an interesting campaign so far. Starting off well, then having a blip that saw them slip down the table, then a resurgence that has lifted them back into contention. On their day, Steelers can tear any team apart at will, but they can easily lose a game that most would expect them to win: two losses against the Capitals bear testament to this. Winning games against their Conference rivals will determine how they will finish up. That and maintaining their excellent home form in the Arena.
So that's my assessments done, and to be honest I don't expect many to agree. More like disagree haha. One thing is for sure, it's been an unpredictable season so far with many twists and turns, who knows what we will get in the next 3 months. It promises to be probably another close race for the title with a good 3 or 4 teams worthy of a title shout. Sit back and enjoy the rest of the ride then.
Belfast Giants: New coach, new ideas. That's the way you can sum up the Giants for this season. Sure they have retained a lot, again, of last season's squad but also got some quality in former NHLer Kris Beech and experienced forward James Desmarais. Come to think of it, player-coach Derrick Walser isn't too bad either. Walser has landed himself in the proverbial hot water a few times; but I like that in a coach: it shows to me his passion for his team and the game. If they get on a run of form; Giants could be this season's dark horses for the title. Don't underestimate them.
Cardiff Devils: The big question before the season started: was last season a flash in the pan and would Andrew Lord be a one season wonder in coaching terms? I think the answer to that has been categorically answered in the negative. Devils are a tough team to beat, and in the Big Blue Tent: almost impregnable to be honest. They move to their new home in the New Year, and one can only but wonder - will this derail any bid for a championship? They do have quality in the roster from front to back, and that is a major positive for the "Red Army". How they would react to a dip in form remains to be noted.
Coventry Blaze: Chuck Weber was seen as the new messiah when he changed the fortunes of the Warwickshire side and led them to a surprise play-off final win last term. However his much changed side have failed to build on this and at the writing; prop up the rest of the Elite League. Brian Stewart has been as dependable as ever in between the pipes, but it's scoring which has undermined Blaze this season: they are simply not lighting the lamp often enough. This needs to be rectified otherwise Blaze will miss out on a possible defence of their play-off trophy; and add to what has been so far: a real disappointment.
Nottingham Panthers: Panthers started this season with a point to prove after a 2015 season which could have spelled curtains for Corey Neilson. But Neil Black and Gary Moran have persevered with the most decorated coach in black and gold of his generation. Miika Wiikman has proved to be an excellent replacement for the now retired K-Wall, and former NHLer Cam Janssen has given the team energy and passion. They are not to be taken lightly, and I wouldn't bet against them picking up some form of silverware this season. The question remains: which one?
Sheffield Steelers: The current Monteith Bowl holders have had an interesting campaign so far. Starting off well, then having a blip that saw them slip down the table, then a resurgence that has lifted them back into contention. On their day, Steelers can tear any team apart at will, but they can easily lose a game that most would expect them to win: two losses against the Capitals bear testament to this. Winning games against their Conference rivals will determine how they will finish up. That and maintaining their excellent home form in the Arena.
So that's my assessments done, and to be honest I don't expect many to agree. More like disagree haha. One thing is for sure, it's been an unpredictable season so far with many twists and turns, who knows what we will get in the next 3 months. It promises to be probably another close race for the title with a good 3 or 4 teams worthy of a title shout. Sit back and enjoy the rest of the ride then.
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