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Elite League Title Race & Playoff Battle: A Thrilling Finale Awaits

 Elite League Title Race & Playoff Battle: A Thrilling Finale Awaits

The 2024/25 Elite League title race is set up for a thrilling climax, with three teams still in contention heading into the final weekend. Belfast Giants, Sheffield Steelers, and Nottingham Panthers all have a shot at glory, making for an electrifying two days of hockey. But beyond the battle for the top spot, another intense fight is brewing for the final playoff position between the Dundee Stars and Manchester Storm.

The Title Race: Three Teams, One Championship

Belfast Giants - The Leaders

Current Position: 1st Place | 52 Games | 76 Points
Remaining Fixtures:

  • Saturday, April 5th - 7pm: vs Nottingham Panthers (The SSE Arena, Belfast)

  • Sunday, April 6th - 5:30pm: vs Nottingham Panthers (Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham)

How Can Belfast Win?

The Giants have the simplest path to victory: win both games against Nottingham, and they are champions. That would give them 80 points, ensuring neither Sheffield nor Nottingham could catch them.

Belfast could even clinch the title as early as Saturday if they win and Sheffield loses in regulation to Cardiff. That would leave the Steelers unable to match Belfast’s points total of 78. However, if Sheffield picks up at least one point on Saturday, the title race will be decided on Sunday.

Even if Belfast loses on Saturday, they are still in contention, but their fate will depend on Sheffield’s results.

Sheffield Steelers - The Challengers

Current Position: 2nd Place | 52 Games | 75 Points
Remaining Fixtures:

  • Saturday, April 5th - 7pm: vs Cardiff Devils (Utilita Arena, Sheffield)

  • Sunday, April 6th - 5:30pm: vs Coventry Blaze (SkyDome, Coventry)

How Can Sheffield Win?

Trailing by a single point, Sheffield must outperform Belfast this weekend.

A key advantage for Sheffield is their superior regulation win count (33 to 31), which is the first tiebreaker if they finish level on points. If Sheffield wins both games and Belfast drops points, the Steelers will lift the trophy.

However, two regulation losses would eliminate them entirely.

Nottingham Panthers - The Underdogs

Current Position: 3rd Place | 52 Games | 72 Points
Remaining Fixtures:

  • Saturday, April 5th - 7pm: vs Belfast Giants (The SSE Arena, Belfast)

  • Sunday, April 6th - 5:30pm: vs Belfast Giants (Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham)

How Can Nottingham Win?

The Panthers need a miracle: two regulation wins over Belfast and two regulation losses for Sheffield. That would see Nottingham tie with Belfast at 76 points but win the title via the first tiebreaker (32 regulation wins vs. 31).

If either Belfast or Sheffield picks up even a single point, Nottingham is out of contention.

The Playoff Race: Dundee vs Manchester for the Final Spot

While all eyes are on the title race, another dramatic battle is unfolding at the bottom of the playoff picture. The Dundee Stars and Manchester Storm are locked in a battle for the final postseason berth.

The Standings:

  • Dundee Stars: 8th place | 52 games | 21 wins | 4 OT/SO losses | 46 points

  • Manchester Storm: 9th place | 52 games | 21 wins | 0 OT/SO losses | 44 points

Dundee currently holds a two-point advantage, meaning Manchester must make up ground in the final two games.

Remaining Fixtures:

  • Friday, April 4th:

    • Dundee vs Glasgow Clan

    • Manchester vs Guildford Flames

  • Saturday, April 5th:

    • Manchester vs Fife Flyers

  • Sunday, April 6th:

    • Dundee vs Fife Flyers

Who Has the Advantage?

Dundee has struggled recently, going 4-6 in their last 10 games and losing their last three. Manchester, meanwhile, is 5-5 in their last 10 and riding the momentum of a stunning 5-1 win over Belfast.

On paper, Dundee has the easier schedule. They face a struggling Glasgow team that has lost five straight and a Fife team that has had a disastrous season. However, Fife’s players will be motivated—this could be their last game as a club if the team is not saved from financial troubles.

Manchester, on the other hand, faces Guildford, a team still pushing to move up the standings, before finishing against Fife.

The Deciding Factors

  • If Dundee wins on Friday, Manchester must at least force overtime to keep their hopes alive. If Manchester loses in regulation and Dundee picks up a point, the playoff spot is sealed.

  • If Manchester wins and Dundee loses, the teams will be tied heading into the final day, making Sunday’s games decisive.

  • The teams are level in wins, but Dundee’s four OT/SO losses have given them an extra cushion.

Given recent form and th** & Playoff Race**

While we don’t yet know who will win the league, we do know the top four teams are set—Belfast, Sheffield, Nottingham, and Cardiff will finish in the playoff seeds. We also know who finishes 7th (Glasgow) and 10th (Fife). The only uncertainty is who finishes 5th or 6th (Coventry or Guildford).

And while the playoffs are a different beast, one thing is for certain: no team, not even Belfast, will overlook whoever claims that final playoff spot. Both Manchester and Dundee have recent wins against the Giants and will be determined to cause an upset in the quarterfinals.

Final Thoughts: The Stage is Set

The final weekend of the Elite League season is shaping up to be one for the history books. Whether it's the three-way battle for the title, the fight for the last playoff spot, or teams jockeying for momentum heading into the postseason, there is no shortage of drama.

So buckle up, because this is going to be a wild ride!eir two-point lead, Dundee is favored to hold on, but Manchester has a chance to pull off a last-minute shocker.

Beyond the Title & Playoff Race

While we don’t yet know who will win the league, we do know the top four teams are set—Belfast, Sheffield, Nottingham, and Cardiff will finish in the playoff seeds. We also know who finishes 7th (Glasgow) and 10th (Fife). The only uncertainty is who finishes 5th or 6th (Coventry or Guildford).

And while the playoffs are a different beast, one thing is for certain: no team, not even Belfast, will overlook whoever claims that final playoff spot. Both Manchester and Dundee have recent wins against the Giants and will be determined to cause an upset in the quarterfinals.

Final Thoughts: The Stage is Set

The final weekend of the Elite League season is shaping up to be one for the history books. Whether it's the three-way battle for the title, the fight for the last playoff spot, or teams jockeying for momentum heading into the postseason, there is no shortage of drama.

So buckle up, because this is going to be a wild ride!

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