After another breathless weekend of action, it’s time to find out who the movers and shakers are in this week’s Power Rankings
1. Belfast Giants (NON-MOVER) – Returned from European duty with ease, it was another two wins on the board – and on the road – as Giants strengthened their grip at the top of the Elite League table. But who can catch them?
2. Cardiff Devils (NON-MOVER) – Reports of their demise have been greatly exaggerated and while losing to Milton Keynes Lightning took the win on Sunday, Andrew Lord’s team picked up five points out of a possible six last week. Five.Not a bad haul, if you ask us.
3. Guildford Flames (UP from 5) – Two wins out of three sees them climb our ladders again in a week where they got two wins on the road, in Guildford then in Glasgow, which was a shutout. Once again, they’ve flying low under the radar and going well.
4. Sheffield Steelers (NON-MOVER) – Only one defeat in their last eight now for the Steelers and another good win, this time over Manchester Storm means they’re looking up the way from a lofty sixth place. Quite the turnaround for Tom Barrasso and his men from a few weeks ago.
5. Nottingham Panthers (UP from 6) – A second straight win and the Panthers are in third place, slowly building momentum. A good road win at Milton Keynes Lightning was one to be enjoyed by the Panthers fans so things are looking better there.
6. Fife Flyers (DOWN from 3) – A heavy drop for the Kirkcaldy side, who are without a win in five and in a weekend where they were shutout then lost a three-goal lead at home to go on and lose on penalty shots, both to Dundee Stars, then it’s fair to say they’ve had better weeks.
7. Glasgow Clan (NON-MOVER) – Only saved by the fact Coventry Blaze failed to win in their game at the weekend, that’s three losses in four for Pete Russell’s team and they play the Blaze on Friday night. Interesting week ahead for the Clan.
8. Coventry Blaze (NON-MOVER) – Two losses this week means they don’t move any further up the table after losses to Guildford through the week then coming so close to at least getting overtime with Belfast, there’s much work to do from the Blaze.
9. Manchester Storm (NON-MOVER) – Another disappointing weekend for the Storm, but they did at least pick up a point against Cardiff Devils so not all bad news. Sunday’s loss at Sheffield was a disappointing note in which to end the weekend.
10. Dundee Stars (UP from 11) – Two wins for the Stars and both in equally impressive fashion means Omar Pacha’s side lift themselves from the bottom of our table. The character of their comeback and penalty shots win over Fife is one to build on.
11. Milton Keynes Lightning (DOWN from 10) – It’s a shame to put them back down, especially after their win over Cardiff Devils, but it wasn’t an easy one to decide upon. Let’s just call this ‘equal tenth’ instead. Under Lannon and Wallace, they appear to have stability, which could go a long way.
