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EIHL Weekend Preview

 


EIHL Weekend Preview: Title Race Battles, Playoff Scraps & Individual Award Contenders

With the EIHL season reaching its climax, the stakes have never been higher. The title race remains a three-way battle, the fight for the final playoff spot is heating up, and individual awards are still up for grabs. Every game this weekend carries serious implications. Let’s break it all down.

Title Race: Belfast, Nottingham & Sheffield Fight for the Top

At the top of the table, Belfast Giants, Nottingham Panthers, and Sheffield Steelers are locked in a tense battle for the EIHL crown. A single misstep could be the difference between lifting the trophy or finishing second best.

Cardiff Devils vs. Belfast Giants (Friday Night)

The Cardiff Devils face a tough task against the league-leading Belfast Giants. Cardiff has yet to beat Belfast this season, and their last encounter ended in heartbreak, with a Challenge Cup final loss. Adding to their frustration, a midweek defeat to Nottingham—which featured controversial officiating decisions and lack of discipline—has only increased fan unrest.

Belfast, meanwhile, will look to complete the season sweep over Cardiff and take another step toward securing the title. With Jackson Whistle (17-6-2, 2.11 GAA, .925 SV%) anchoring them in net, the Giants have the defensive strength to handle Cardiff’s offensive threats.

While Cardiff’s fourth-place position seems safe, this game is about pride and proving they can still compete with the EIHL’s elite. A win would provide a much-needed confidence boost heading into the final stretch.

Glasgow Clan vs. Sheffield Steelers  (Friday Night)

Sheffield’s title ambitions have taken a hit after dropping behind Nottingham in the standings. Against a red-hot Glasgow Clan, they cannot afford to slip up.

One of the biggest threats to the Steelers? Deven Sideroff. The Glasgow forward has been on fire, scoring six goals in his last four games, including back-to-back two-goal performances last weekend.

With Matthew Greenfield (31-12-3, 2.27 GAA, .928 SV%) in net, Sheffield still has the defensive advantage, but they must contain Glasgow’s offensive duo of Sideroff and Cole Ully to secure a much-needed victory.

Cole Ully’s 50-Point Chase

Despite multiple chances, Cole Ully has yet to hit the 50-point mark this season. Sitting at 49 points, he’ll have another shot this weekend to finally reach that milestone.

The Playoff Fight: Do or Die for Manchester Storm

At the bottom end of the standings, Manchester Storm’s playoff hopes are hanging by a thread.

Sheffield Steelers vs. Manchester Storm (Saturday Night)

Sitting six points behind Dundee with just one game in hand, Manchester must win to keep their playoff dreams alive.

Unfortunately, they haven’t beaten Sheffield all season, and the Steelers—still in the title hunt—won’t take this game lightly. Expect Manchester to play physically and try to disrupt Sheffield’s rhythm.

For the Steelers, the key will be staying disciplined and avoiding unnecessary penalties. If they stick to their game plan, they should have enough quality to handle Manchester’s desperation.

Fife Flyers vs. Guildford Flames (Saturday Night)

For Fife Flyers, it’s not about playoffs—it’s about avoiding history.

With just 10 points, they sit one behind the record-low of 11, set by the Edinburgh Capitals. If they fail to pick up a win, they risk being remembered for all the wrong reasons.

Their opponent, Guildford Flames, is in freefall, having lost four straight games and dropping to 7th place. If Fife is going to steal a win, this may be their best opportunity left this season.

Individual Awards Race: Netminder of the Year & Goal Scoring Battle

With the season winding down, individual performances will also be under the microscope.

Netminder of the Year: Who Takes the Crown?

The goaltending battle has three clear frontrunners:

🥇 Jason Grande (Nottingham Panthers) – 1.71 GAA, .948 SV% (Best stats in the league)
🥈 Matthew Greenfield (Sheffield Steelers) – 31 wins, 3 shutouts (Most in the league)
🥉 Jackson Whistle (Belfast Giants) – 2.11 GAA, .925 SV% (Steady all season)

While Grande has the best numbers, he’s played fewer games than the others. Greenfield’s workload and consistency keep him in contention, while Whistle has been crucial in Belfast’s title charge.

With all three goalies facing key games this weekend, this race could come down to the final weeks.

Top Goal Scorer Race: Gressock Leading, but for How Long?

The race for the league’s top goal scorer is still wide open:

🔹 Chase Gresock (28 goals) – Coventry Blaze
🔹 Alexis D’Aoust (26 goals) – Nottingham Panthers
🔹 Josh MacDonald (25 goals) – Dundee Stars
🔹 Cole Ully (25 goals) – Glasgow Clan
🔹 Deven Sideroff (25 goals) – Glasgow Clan
🔹 Alessio Luciani (25 goals) – Coventry Blaze

Gresock has a slim lead, but Luciani and Sideroff are closing in. Glasgow’s matchups against Sheffield and Nottingham give Sideroff and Ully prime opportunities to move up the rankings, while Coventry’s game against Fife could allow Gressock and Luciani to rack up easy points.

Final Thoughts: A Defining Weekend for the EIHL

With title implications, playoff desperation, and personal achievements all at stake, this weekend promises high-intensity hockey and major storylines across the league.

  • Can Belfast tighten their grip on the title?
  • Will Sheffield bounce back in the race?
  • Can Fife avoid an all-time low?
  • Will Manchester be out the playoffs?

Whatever happens, EIHL fans are in for a thrilling weekend of hockey. Buckle up! 🚨🏒

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