Five weeks into the Elite Ice Hockey League season, we take a brief overview of what has happened so far, and what is to come in the following weeks.
Steelers on top
5 time winners Sheffield Steelers are sitting high and mighty at the top of the table, winning five of their first seven matches so far.
However, the Steelers are not as indomitable as some fans might think; their previous outing resulted in a narrow 3:4 defeat to Coventry Blaze, while also being beaten by fifth placed Guildford Flames three games into the season.
Moreover, the Steelers have been forced to grind out results so far this season – with two of their wins coming in overtime against close rivals Cardiff Devils back on the first gameday of the season, and a shootout win against Coventry Blaze in the following week.
Their previous two fixtures in the Challenge Cup against the Nottingham Panthers tested the resolve of the Steelers who needed to overturn a 0:2 deficit to eventually take the game 4:3 in overtime. The following game saw yet another overtime bout, in this case it was the Panthers who came out victorious – winning 3:2.
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Close competitors
Hot on the heels of the leaders, Cardiff Devils are looking to make use of their impressive lineup and challenge for the title.
The Devils have made an excellent start so far – winning 3 of their 5 games. Their two defeats came at the hands of the Steelers and Nottingham Panthers, who are in fine form, only losing one game so far in the EIHL and once in the Challenge Cup – which they are looking to win for the ninth time.
Perhaps adding an extra degree of ferocity to the Devils’ game, they were beaten by the Steelers in the final of the 2019/20 Challenge Cup. Earlier on in the season, the Steelers marginally edged an overtime win over the Devils, meaning that the next encounter between the two on the 14th November could be another tight game.
Current reigning EIHL champions, Belfast Giants have got off to a relatively slow start, despite only playing 3 games so far, they have taken just one win.
Nevertheless, the league table is not the only barometer of success, the Belfast Giants have a wealth of talent in their team that is ready to take them to the next level. Scott Conway has 17 points in both competitions so far this season, while David Goodwin has been outstanding in the Challenge Cup, scoring 14 points.
Struggling Scotland sides
The three Scottish teams in the competition have found it difficult to say the least. The Fife Flyers have only lost all but one of their opening 5 games in the league, whereas the Dundee Stars haven’t claimed a single point all season, losing all 4 games.
The situation for Glasgow Clan is different however, complications with their arena has meant that the Clan are yet to play their first game of the EIHL season.
It has just been recently announced that the Clan’s arena issues have been alleviated, allowing them to play their first game of the season in an exhibition between the Dundee Stars on Wednesday 3rd November.
