After a damn right fine weekend just gone, the humbling of the team down the M1 and then getting redemption - albeit in a penalty shootout - at Dundee; it's time for a couple of home games this weekend-ish as we look to haul in those Cardiff Devils. Can we make inroads on them? It would be bloody nice to do, so let's look ahead to the matches in question.
We begin our weekend action on the rarity that is known as Friday Night Hockey in the House Of Steel. No, it's not been screened live on Premier Sports so rule that out of the equation. It's down to availability on home ice, and we play tomorrow evening against this lot:
Yes it's the league leaders in town, the team we are trying to catch up. Devils lead the Elite League with 23 points from 15 games played, we lie second five points behind but with four games in hand. Sounds good and to some, they would say advantage Steelers. Not as easy as it sounds, you've got to win those games in hand!
The Welsh side also have had a bit of success in Sheffield so far this season, two visits and two wins. That's something that needs to change! We have to play with the same relentless attitude that saw us crush those hapless Panthers on Saturday. Relax for a second, and it could be curtains - their offence is as good as ours and in Mark Richardson; they have a Brit defenceman as good as our very own Ben O'Connor. It's a chance to make a further dent into their lead and close the gap.
After Saturday off, which allow any tired bodies or those with slight niggles - time to head -, we are back in action at 5pm on the Sunday. Visiting us for the second time this season are these:
Belfast come into the House Of Steel handily placed in case either ourselves or the Devils slip up, so should be treated with respect and caution. They lost 4-1 earlier the season but for 50 minutes; it was a 1-1 hockey game. Darryl Lloyd might be not longer there but they've recruited good replacements for him and last season's top scorer Mike Radja. They seem to have found an eventual replacement for the veteran that is Stephen Murphy, dual national Jackson Whistle (son of former Steelers and Giants coach Dave). Young Whistle played in that 4-1 loss and to me did well after a wobbly start; he's got a good future ahead if he stays healthy and level headed. And then there's also Colin Shields of course... Enough said about that!
Can we win both games? Can we have another portion of the four point weekend cake? Can we continue to haul in Cardiff and keep the heat on? The answer to all three questions is YES, of course we can. The games will be tough, but it's certainly not beyond us.
Predictions? Steelers to edge Devils 2-1 after overtime, then slay the Giants 4-2 (regardless if it is Murphy or Whistle in between the pipes). How do you see them pan out?
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