Week 27: Three big nights of hockey coming up

Photo: Mark Ferris

We're heading into Week 27 of 31 in this year's Elite Ice Hockey League regular season, and with no midweek games it's a chance for each of the 10 teams to take stock of where they are heading into the final five weeks of the season.

Action this week begins on Friday night. Fourth-placed Belfast have almost no option but to win both games of their double-header at home to six-placed Guildford if they want to just about stay in the title hunt. The Flames look to be playing more for playoff position in their final ten games, but moving into the top five or even overtaking the Giants is far from out of the question. Elsewhere that evening there's a huge game in the race for the playoffs when Glasgow host Manchester. These are the two teams hanging on to the final two playoff positions, a win for either would be invaluable.

There is a full schedule of games on Saturday with Nottingham vs. Cardiff the standout fixture as second take on third. Leaders Sheffield welcome basement, but in-form, side Fife to Yorkshire, while Glasgow head down to Coventry. Dundee hosting Manchester could be a pivotal game for the Stars' hopes of making the post-season, and the Storm's depending on what has happened the night before.

Sunday's early starts see Coventry visiting Nottingham, and depending on what has happened the night before this could be a battle to see who ends the weekend in third; while Cardiff celebrate their Kids' Day at home to Dundee. Guildford are back on home ice for their third game in as many days when they host leaders Sheffield, while Manchester and Glasgow both play their third games of a three in three in the reverse of Friday's fixture.