Third week of the season and a full programme of action. All teams are in action whether it be League, Challenge Cup or even in one match: a combination of both. This is where the real stuff starts as far as I am concerned. Let's look ahead to them, are you with me?
Whilst we are in action at Coventry, we have these games:
Braehead Clan v Manchester Storm - LEAGUE
Clan will be hurting, they will be hurting. They have not had the best starts of the season and for a potential title winner that's going to sting. Wins are needed, and needed quickly, to get the confidence back in the camp. Storm though will fancy their chances on the road, don't doubt that. It could be a close one.
Verdict: Clan regulation.
Nottingham Panthers v Cardiff Devils - LEAGUE/CHALLENGE CUP
In an interesting encounter, Panthers play Devils as a combined Challenge Cup and Elite League game. Both counting for their respective competitions that is. It could be a game that lays down a marker for each team. Panthers will be looking to bounce back, Devils will look to build on Sunday's win against Braehead. Again it could be close.
Verdict: Panthers in overtime.
Belfast Giants v Edinburgh Capitals - CHALLENGE CUP
Regardless of whether Travis Fullerton has arrived or the back up is playing again, Giants should win this one. If it's the latter then it could be a very hard evening at the SSE Arena for Michal Dobron's men, they shipped eight at home to Dundee last Sunday: it could be the same. Not disrespecting you Caps but this definitely has the home banker written on it.
Verdict: Giants regulation.
Fife Flyers v Dundee Stars - CHALLENGE CUP
Saturday's final game is an absolute rocket and appetiser shall we say. It's the derby between Fife and Dundee; and the hosts will be hoping to build on their very decent start. They've really had a Flyer so to speak but Dundee have some good quality in their ranks too. It could be a win for each other quite easily; one's going to be upset in the end.
Verdict: Dundee regulation...just!
Now onto Sunday, and apologies for the length of this piece.
Cardiff Devils v Fife Flyers - LEAGUE
They have had a bump in the road last weekend at Manchester, but seriously do you expect Cardiff to come unstuck in Ice Arena Wales against the Flyers? Come on, do you? I certainly don't think they will, and despite Fife having a good result against the Panthers, Devils will hold too many aces for Todd Dutuiame's men. It will be a convincing win.
Verdict: Devils regulation.
Manchester Storm v Coventry Blaze - CHALLENGE CUP
This could be an interesting one to call to be honest. Manchester have been rebuilt and are a much much better side than they were 12 months ago, and to be honest so are Coventry under Danny Stewart. It might all depend on which side takes their chances the most, and I wouldn't be shocked if it went beyond 60 minutes. If ever a draw could be chosen, this would be it.
Verdict: Blaze in overtime.
Edinburgh Capitals v Braehead Clan - CHALLENGE CUP
The chances of the Capitals winning this one depend purely if Fullerton has arrived in the country, because apparently he's now got his visa and awaiting his passport. If he hasn't, Braehead will win this one. If he's there, Clan might have a bit of blockade to deal with - a former man in purple. The trip back down the A8 is going to be happy and Finner might just crack open a smile.
Verdict: Clan regulation.
Dundee Stars v Belfast Giants - CHALLENGE CUP
And finally, the preview of the last game of week three. This, like the Manchester-Coventry game, go either way. Both have the ability to win and win well if their "A" game is in place. Dundee will be keen to impress and a home loss to Panthers, means redemption is in mind. Giants will be looking to improve under Walser. See what I mean about a tough decision?
Verdict: Stars regulation.
That therefore concludes my preview of week number three. How do you see the games going?
Now onto Sunday, and apologies for the length of this piece.
Cardiff Devils v Fife Flyers - LEAGUE
They have had a bump in the road last weekend at Manchester, but seriously do you expect Cardiff to come unstuck in Ice Arena Wales against the Flyers? Come on, do you? I certainly don't think they will, and despite Fife having a good result against the Panthers, Devils will hold too many aces for Todd Dutuiame's men. It will be a convincing win.
Verdict: Devils regulation.
Manchester Storm v Coventry Blaze - CHALLENGE CUP
This could be an interesting one to call to be honest. Manchester have been rebuilt and are a much much better side than they were 12 months ago, and to be honest so are Coventry under Danny Stewart. It might all depend on which side takes their chances the most, and I wouldn't be shocked if it went beyond 60 minutes. If ever a draw could be chosen, this would be it.
Verdict: Blaze in overtime.
Edinburgh Capitals v Braehead Clan - CHALLENGE CUP
The chances of the Capitals winning this one depend purely if Fullerton has arrived in the country, because apparently he's now got his visa and awaiting his passport. If he hasn't, Braehead will win this one. If he's there, Clan might have a bit of blockade to deal with - a former man in purple. The trip back down the A8 is going to be happy and Finner might just crack open a smile.
Verdict: Clan regulation.
Dundee Stars v Belfast Giants - CHALLENGE CUP
And finally, the preview of the last game of week three. This, like the Manchester-Coventry game, go either way. Both have the ability to win and win well if their "A" game is in place. Dundee will be keen to impress and a home loss to Panthers, means redemption is in mind. Giants will be looking to improve under Walser. See what I mean about a tough decision?
Verdict: Stars regulation.
That therefore concludes my preview of week number three. How do you see the games going?
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