While the Sheffield Steelers are mathematically still in with a chance of being crowned Elite League champions, the title race is now effectively being fought by the Belfast Giants and Guildford Flames.
The Giants approach the penultimate weekend of the regular-season two points ahead of the Flames, which should make for a thrilling fortnight of action at the Elite League’s summit.
Belfast Giants and Guildford Flames lock horns in Elite League title fight
The Giants and Flames have been the class of the Elite League for most of the season, with a brief interlude of dominance from Sheffield earlier in the campaign.
Belfast started the year slowly, perhaps distracted by their Champions Hockey League businesses, but have since rebounded spectacularly.
Adam Keefe’s squad demolished the Fife Flyers to lift the Challenge Cup on home ice earlier this month and have their eyes firmly set on a historic domestic treble.
David Goodwin, Belfast Giants (Image: EIHL)
But the Flames are worthy title race opponents for Belfast.
Paul Dixson has built an upstart squad in Guildford – one capable of beating anyone anywhere.
The Flames are terrific off the rush, physical in their own end, and a nightmare to face on the power play.
So, what do the Giants and Flames need to do to win the Elite League title?
Belfast Giants hold upper hand in Elite League title race
The Giants are in pole position to win the championship for a second season in-a-row – with the first tie-breaker (regulation wins) splitting in their favour.
However, the pole sitter doesn’t always win out – especially when they face a tricky set of opponents down the stretch.
- Friday, 24 March – Belfast Giants v Sheffield Steelers
- Saturday, 25 March – Belfast Giants v Manchester Storm
- Saturday, 1 April – Belfast Giants v Guildford Flames
- Sunday, 2 April – Dundee Stars v Belfast Giants
Belfast’s only ‘soft’ remaining game is on decision day versus the Stars – who sit rock bottom with minimal prospects of climbing above the playoff line.
Guildford Flames remain within striking distance in Elite League title fight
The Flames – by contrast – have a relatively kind schedule to round out the season.
- Saturday, 25 March – Dundee Stars v Guildford Flames
- Sunday, 26 March – Guildford Flames v Dundee Stars
- Saturday, 1 April – Belfast Giants v Guildford Flames
- Sunday, 2 April – Guildford Flames v Fife Flyers
If Guildford finds a route to back-to-back wins over the Stars, they will land in Belfast at the start of April with everything to play for.
Peter Crinella, Guildford Flames (Image: John Unwins)
Ultimately, though, the title race in the Elite League will come down to simple maths.
The Flames – currently two points back from top spot – need to win in Belfast and hope the Giants drop points elsewhere.
Analysis: Belfast Giants and Guildford Flames combine for fascinating title fight
The Giants and Flames are vastly different organisations.
In Belfast, the Giants have built a true hockey institution.
The SSE Arena has the feel of a North American or Scandinavian rink in the hours before puck drop – with the club’s off-ice investment as impressive as their work on it.
The Giants are slick and have never looked out of place – from an organisational perspective – in the Champions League.
Guildford’s story is different – they play in a leisure centre and have been shadow banned from the Champions League.
But their story is equally as captivating.
Dixon has built a proper team in Guildford, with his Flames burning bright for an entire campaign.
This kind of race is exactly what the Elite League needs and makes the competition so special.
Roll on the final fortnight – this is special.
