Wednesday: Cup Semi-Finals in Cardiff and Belfast
Photo: James Assinder
It's Cup Semi-Final day this Wednesday in the Elite Ice Hockey League.
In Belfast, it's the first leg between the Giants and Nottingham Panthers. The four games between the teams this season have all gone the way of the home side, and over the last 20 games these are the two form sides in the Elite League, with a combined 64 points 20 played each. The Giants would host the final if they get there, as they did in both 2022 and 2023, when they also lifted the trophy. Nottingham haven't been in a Cup Final since winning it in 2016.
Whatever happens tonight at the SSE Arena, the game will finish at 60 minutes with the score carrying over to the second leg on Wednesday 26 February.
Click here to watch Giants vs. Panthers
Meanwhile in Cardiff, the Devils have a two-goal aggregate deficit to make up in their home leg against Sheffield Steelers. The Yorkshire side's 5-3 home win a week ago puts them two ahead when the puck drops at the Vindico Arena as they aim to go a step further in trying to defend their 2024 title. The Devils lost the 2022 final in Belfast, and the 2020 final on home ice to Sheffield. However, they've not lost a Semi-Final in the Cup since 2013/14.
If the scores are tied on aggregate at the end of 60 minutes in Wales tonight, overtime will be played 3-on-3 for 10 minutes, sudden-death. If no winner is found, the series will be decided in a shootout.
