Challenge Cup: Three teams already into the next stage

What's happening next in the Challenge Cup?

The group stage of the 2024/25 Challenge Cup is approaching it's climax, with teams in both Groups A and B already booking their places in the next round.

In Group A, Sheffield Steelers have secured a place directly in the Semi-Finals, while Guildford Flames are eliminated. That's the simple part! Nottingham Panthers, Cardiff Devils, and Coventry Blaze are all still very much in the running for the second direct place into the Semi-Finals, while any of them plus Manchester Storm could also finish in third and make the Elimination Game. The Panthers should make the elimination game at best due to their number of regulation wins and total wins, and by virtue of Cardiff and Coventry still needing to play each other.

Group B is somewhat more straight forward. Belfast Giants have already secured top spot and will play in the Semi-Finals. Glasgow Clan are set in second as Dundee cannot match them on regulation wins if the teams were tied - this means Clan will play in the Elimination Game. But things aren't done for either team...

Seeding and hosting rights
Whichever team comes through the group stage with the highest points percentage gets seeded first and can choose their opponents in the next round (except for the other group winner). Belfast Giants currently sit on 90% with two games to go, while Sheffield Steelers are on 83% with one left to play. The Giants will need to win both games to secure that first overall place unless the Steelers drop points in their remaining fixture.

The same points percentage calculation will also decide who hosts the Elimination Game, a one-off tie between the third-placed team in Group A and the second-placed team in Group B. Glasgow Clan have 61% and three games yet to play. Whoever comes through Group A is likely to be around the 60-65% mark by the end of their fixtures.