It’s the start of a busy week ahead and the first of 10 consecutive days of action in the Elite Series and it begins with the two teams at the top of the standings after five games.
Sheffield Steelers and Coventry Blaze come into the game on the back of wins on Sunday, but for Blaze, a chance to avenge a heavy loss to Aaron Fox’s side.
Here are the numbers that matter ahead of the game:
21
The number of goals Sheffield Steelers have scored in their last three games, made up of seven against Coventry Blaze, eight against Nottingham Panthers and six versus Manchester Storm
264
The number of minutes played by Ben Churchfield in the Elite Series so far, the most by any netminder in the competition
4
Number of points picked up by Tanner Eberle in the previous meeting between the two clubs last Wednesday. The Steelers man got a hat-trick of goals and an assist against Danny Stewart’s side. That takes him to 12 points (7+5) in his last four games against Blaze.
3
The number of minutes it took for Luke Ferrara to find the net against Manchester Storm in his first game back for the Blaze on Saturday. His goal was timed at 3:38.
Also the number of consecutive “away” wins by Sheffield Steelers against Coventry Blaze in their last three meetings on the road.
Luke Ferrara didn’t take long to mark his return for Coventry Blaze (PHOTO: Scott Wiggins)
27.78
The powerplay percentage of Coventry Blaze in the competition so far, the most productive unit of any of the four teams in the tournament so far, scoring five of their 18 opportunities.
114
Number of appearances by Cole Shudra for Sheffield Steelers between 2016 and 2020, including the Challenge Cup Final where Steelers defeated Cardiff.
2
Number of players who have scored shorthanded goals between the two teams going into this game. Jason Hewitt (Steelers) and Tristan Keck (Blaze) both struck when their team had a man down in their previous fixture.
9
The average number of goals in games involving Sheffield Steelers in the Elite Series so far.
