I know I said in the early edition this week that I believe we will not do the three-peat. I stand by that now. However, I have a habit of getting things wrong (as you will probably know from my match predictions) and last season I said that we wouldn't win the league at this same point in the season. You of course know what happened.
I'll be happy if we do create the historic feat, who wouldn't? But after last weekend, I don't think so. Yet I'm going to talk about all three challengers, who their key player is, and then at the end announce my top three. Let's go...
Cardiff Devils: Current League Position 1st
The team that have been the team to challenge all season it has to be said. Ever since they took to the summit, they have been near as damn it - top dogs since. Andrew Lord has built together that has depth, and we are calling serious depth. He can play a former NHL enforcer in Patrick Bordeleau as a fourth liner, that's how deep they are. In defence, they are equally solid and dependable. My only reservation is Tom Murdy, he's a decent back-up just like Geoff Woolhouse but overall nothing to the standard of Bownsy.
Next Game: Saturday 4 February 2017: Nottingham Panthers (H)
Games to play: 16
Maximum Points: 87
Key Player: Ben Bowns - GB international and as good as an import netminder.
Belfast Giants: Current League Position 2nd
A team that has slowly built momentum and remained in the race when a lot, myself included here, believed it was going to between the Steelers and Devils. Whilst the Giants don't have the depth of the Devils or the Steelers, one thing that they do have is a bloody great work ethic. It appears that Derrick Walser has got what he wants, a roster that is buying into his coaching philosophies and one that will fight for each other to achieve the common goal. They might have played more games than their rivals but at the moment, they're buzzing.
Next Game: Saturday 4 February 2017: At Braehead Clan
Games to play: 15
Maximum Points: 84
Key Player: David Rutherford - a player who is underestimated by teams, terrific work ethic.
Sheffield Steelers: Current League Position 3rd
The current defending champions who are trying to create history. With a depth that matches Cardiff's, Steelers can blow you away with pace if they are really on form. They are so stacked with offensive talent that it will cut you open like a knife through hot butter if given opportunties. However, they are also prone at times to giving up leads or simply not performing when the opposition plays a high forecheck game like both Belfast and Cardiff do. It could be their undoing unless the sticking plaster is secured tight and that will hurt.
Next Game: Saturday 4 February 2017: Dundee Stars (H)
Games to play: 17
Maximum Points: 81
Key Player: Colton Fretter - showing the form which makes him a quality import after injuries last year.
So who's my top three? Here it is:
1st - Belfast Giants
2nd - Cardiff Devils
3rd - Sheffield Steelers
It also makes for interesting match ups in the play-off quarter finals too. As that stands now based on my predictions above, Belfast to face Coventry, Cardiff to face Manchester, Braehead to face Fife (either of these are going to win the Gardiner Conference, makes no odds) and most mouthwatering of all Steelers to face Nottingham. See what I mean by interesting? Exactly. Obviously anything and probably will happen, we have eight weeks of regular season action left. Who's your money on?
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