Time once more folks to dust off the FSB crystal ball and make some predictions. It's week number 16 of the season, or if the EIHL "Facing Off" programme would lead to believe it's one less than that. The week starts tomorrow night as a certain Challenge Cup game has its second leg played, which ultimately tell us whom we will play in the final four.
Without further ado, let's crack on.
Wednesday Night:
Manchester Storm v Belfast Giants: It's the first leg of this particular quarter-final, and it could be a very interesting game. Giants will have confidence from last weekend, Storm can beat anyone on the Altrincham ice. Quite fancy Storm to sneak this one, by the odd goal in regulation.
Nottingham Panthers v Braehead Clan: We'll be having our eyes firmly peeled on this one as it's the second leg of the Neil Black derby with the winners facing us in the semi. Delicately poised at 3-3, Nottingham will be most people's favourites to progress. Clan need to deliver in the NIC. Panthers to win it, despite being weakened by Kudroc's unfortunate departure.
Saturday Night:
Belfast Giants v Nottingham Panthers: Both teams come into this league game on the back of a four point weekend, so something has gotta give. I think the loss of Kudroc will be vital and probably means Lindhagen to drop back onto D. Belfast to win again in regulation.
Braehead Clan v Coventry Blaze: There's been signs of improvement in both camps recently, especially from Coventry as they were in a horrendous bit of form. But it's a game either could win such is the fine line. Clan to get a nice home regulation win ahead of Christmas.
Edinburgh Capitals v Dundee Stars: The battle of the bottom two as it stands, but both teams have players who could turn a game in a heartbeat. Caps have Voroybev, Stars have Brett Switzer. The difference could be which goalie is hotter than the other. Simple as. I'll take Caps in overtime for this one.
Manchester Storm v Fife Flyers: As I said in the Belfast analysis above, Storm have what it takes to beat anyone on their own ice. Flyers seldom travel well so it could be a routine home win for Pacha's men, not a hammering but a win all the same - in regulation too.
Sunday Night:
Coventry Blaze v Belfast Giants: Blaze have been resurgent these last few weeks or so and are now showing what they can be capable of when things gel. Belfast could get a nasty bump in the road, and it would not surprise me if it happened here. Blaze regulation home triumph.
Dundee Stars v Edinburgh Capitals: The second part of the home and home series for these two Scottish teams. Having predicted Edinburgh to win their home part, I'm going for Dundee to do the same in the DIA but with a difference: Stars to win this one in regulation time.
Fife Flyers v Braehead Clan: A game where everything gets laid on the line. Since they have locked horns as Elite League teams, Clan have seen Flyers as a bit of a nemesis - Flyers always seemingly ripping the form book up and getting a result. Clan need to be on top form to win here, maybe on penalties.
Nottingham Panthers v Cardiff Devils: Having won remarkably 8-0 in Ice Arena Wales just eight days ago when this game gets played, Panthers will fancy their chances on home ice in the Lace City. It's a game Devils could slip up in, and I think they will. Panthers to get the points but after overtime.
So that's we think it'll stack up this week coming, what about you?
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