Elite Report: Week 1 Review

Well week one of the new season is over and done with. Let's look back at it and see how our predictions compared to what actually happened.

The season began on Saturday evening in Kirkcaldy as Todd Dutiaume's new look Fife Flyers took on Derrick Walser's Belfast Giants. It wasn't the best start for the Giants as Fife took control from the get go and ended up 5-2 winners in the Auld Barn. Five different scorers for the Flyers as they picked up a more than useful couple of points. David Rutherford scored both Giants goals but Fife were very good value for the win.

Match Result: Fife win

Our Prediction: Fife win

Sunday's action saw a Midlands battle and Fife in action again, this time on the road at Braehead.

At the SkyDome in Coventry, Coventry took their positive pre-season form into good effect against Corey Neilson's Panthers who gave a start to their young Czech netminder Jindrich Pacl as Miika Wiikman was not risked after an injury a few days previous. Blaze roared into a 2-0 first period lead and by all accounts, fully were deserving of it with Shawn Boutin impressing. Panthers could only score through Brad Moran with 7 minutes left but by that time they were 3 goals behind. Danny Stewart has got to be impressed with that, although Brian Stewart might have picked up a slight knock.

Match Result: Coventry win

Our Prediction: Coventry win

In Braehead, the two rivals faced off for the first of at least 10 games between themselves this season again. By all accounts it was the Shane Owen show as the Flyers' 25 year old import goalie time and time again denied the men in purple. The teams couldn't be separated after 60 minutes, with the score locked at 3 apiece. So the first 3 on 3 overtime period in the EIHL took place, and Fife completed a very happy weekend for themselves when Carlo Finucci lit the lamp. Ric Jackman got the assist on it, and we bet that was a bittersweet moment for him after being less than impressive last season in Renfrew.

Match Result: Fife win (after overtime)

Our Prediction: Clan win

So two out of three correct predictions this week. Plenty to ponder for the Giants, Clan and Panthers as their opening week didn't turn out as planned. However, Todd Dutiaume and Danny Stewart are going to be happy, the former with a four point weekend. Stand by for week two's preview coming later on this week.

 

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