7pm: Steelers vs. Devils in Semi-Final
Photo: Hayley Roberts
In a repeat of the Challenge Cup Final from 2020, and the Playoff Finals in 2017 and 2018, Sheffield Steelers face Cardiff Devils for a place in the 2023 Viaplay Playoff Final.
That cup win, shortly before lockdown forced the cancellation of the 2019/20 season, is Steelers Head Coach Aaron Fox's only trophy with the Steelers in his three-season tenure so far, while this weekend marks the team's first appearance at finals weekend since the 2018 final.
Cardiff are heading into this weekend looking to set a new Elite League record as no team has ever won four straight Playoff Finals. Brodie Dupont won the Devils' third title in a row last season after only being appointed as interim Head Coach some five weeks before the end of the season.
In meetings between the teams this season, Sheffield knocked Cardiff out of the Cup in the Quarter-Final stage by a comfortable margin. In league play, the Devils edged the series 4-2.
Game details
- Sheffield, as the higher seed, are the designated home team and will have last change
- Sheffield will wear orange jerseys and attack the zamboni end twice
- Cardiff will wear white jerseys and attack the stage end twice
Overtime & Shootout
If the game is tied after regulation, the following will be used to determine a winner:
- A 10-minute 3-on-3, sudden-death overtime period
- If necessary: a 'Best of Five'-shot shootout
- If necessary: a sudden-death shootout
The winning team will contest Sunday's Playoff Final, while the losers will go into the 3rd vs. 4th-place playoff.
