If the Guildford Flames want to extend the Elite League title race to the final day of the regular season, they must beat the Belfast Giants on Saturday [1 April]. Period.
The Giants lead the championship battle by two points ahead of the final weekend of play, which means the Flames need to beat them in Belfast and better their result on Sunday to capture the title.
Impossible? No.
Unlikely, due to fixture difficulty? Yes.
After they host the Flames on Saturday, the Giants will travel to Scotland to face the Dundee Stars – who sit bottom of the table with only the faintest chance of qualifying for the playoffs.
The Flames also face opposition from north of the border on Sunday, with the Fife Flyers – who also sit beneath the playoff line – visiting The Spectrum.
While anyone can beat anyone in the Elite League, the mathematics isn’t ideal for Guildford.
But that will not detract from what is set to be a thrilling contest on Saturday – between two teams capable of winning it all at Playoff Finals Weekend.
Here are all the details you need to know ahead of puck drop between the Giants and Flames.
Form Guide
Belfast Giants (40-10-2):
- BEL 9-1 Manchester Storm
- BEL 8-2 Sheffield Steelers
- BEL 4-5 Cardiff Devils (OT)
- BEL 3-1 Cardiff Devils
- Manchester Storm 1-4 BEL
Guildford Flames (39-11-2):
- GUI 7-3 Dundee Stars
- Dundee Stars 4-6 GUI
- Coventry Blaze 2-4 GUI
- Sheffield Steelers 4-5 GUI (OT)
- GUI 5-4 Glasgow Clan
Statistical Leaders
Belfast Giants:
- Goals: Scott Conway (40), Steven Owre (25), Mark Cooper (21)
- Assists: David Goodwin (54), Scott Conway (49), Gabe Bast (39)
- Points: Scott Conway (89), David Goodwin (69), Gabe Bast (55)
Guildford Flames:
- Goals: Daniel Tedesco (31), Ryan Tait (27), Brett Ferguson (22)
- Assists: Daniel Tedesco (49), Brett Ferguson (45), Ben O’Connor (39)
- Points: Daniel Tedesco (80), Brett Ferguson (67), Ryan Tait (60)
TV Guide: Belfast Giants .vs. Guildford Flames
Viaplay, formerly Premier Sports, announced that it will broadcast the game on its free-to-air Viaplay Xtra channel, with coverage to begin at 18:30.
Will the Belfast Giants or Guildford Flames win the Elite League title? Join the conversation by tweeting @BritIceHockey.
