The Beauty of the Playoffs

The playoffs are a special time of the season. The edge of your seat drama associated with win or your out hockey is like nothing else. Now with teams across the globe heading down the stretch looking to secure that last spot or home advantage every hockey fan has thoughts of the playoffs.

Last week however an article on from Mark Denholm (Slough Jets, EPL) on his personal blog suggested that British ice hockey and the English Premier League should return to the mini league system for its playoff format. This would involve the qualifying teams to be split into two groups who then play against each other home and away with the two teams with the best records going on to the finals weekend. This system was widely used in the UK until quite recently when a change to the knockout system was introduced first by the EIHL then by the EPL.

Denholm suggests that the mini league format would add credibility to the playoffs, as teams would have to win more than 3 games and prolong the post season past a weekend. However Denholm ignores the reasons for the change and the reasons why the playoffs in the knockout format are so exciting.

Firstly the knockout format allows the underdog to have its day. A team from the bottom half of the league can take a scalp much more easily if a tie is played over 2 games instead of over 6. This gives the fans something to cheer on whether they are at the top or the bottom of the regular season.

The knockout format is also much less complicated for everyone. Whether you are a fan, a player or an official you know if you beat the opposition you win the tie and progress. There is no missing half the game because you are busy checking the result in the other game and trying to work out how many goals your team needs. It also avoids the mess that is the head to head method of splitting teams on equal points.

A major reason for the change to the knockout system was one of logistics. The mini league possessed many headaches and pitfalls for the teams that made the playoffs both in terms of arranging the fixtures and in getting to the rink to play the games. The rushed nature of getting the fixtures organised and the short time in which teams have to play them often led to games being played in midweek, which in turn had an adverse effect on attendances as teams struggled to criss-cross the country to make games.

With the change to the knockout system there has been an increase in playoff attendances as home and away fans come along to see their team for possibly the last time. Fans are also more willing to attend, as the costs for playoff tickets are lower and they are more willing to travel, as there is a chance of an upset. Whilst the playoffs are also a focus point for fans to arrange their travel around.

In terms of competition the playoffs in a knockout format provide another challenge. In UK ice hockey the league standings decide the league champion and there is a cup competition in which the semi finalists qualify via a mini league. Therefore there is an absence of a knockout competition to challenge teams.

Ultimately which playoff system is used in the UK should come down to which is the most popular with the fans and with good attendances and a simple method why chance with a magical time of the year.

Neil Tucker

www.bluelinehockeyblog.wordpress.com

Sheffield Steelers and Belfast Giants Crush Opponents (UK Round Up 26th February)

With the title race well and truly on in the EIHL there were crucial games to be played across the country.

Edinburgh Capitals 0 Sheffield Steelers 7

The Steelers coach Ryan Finnerty had said that his side needed to be more potent in front of the goal following two less than convincing games in Scotland. Finnerty also gambled by resting John De Caro to be replaced by British goalie Geoff Woolhouse.

The gamble paid off as the Steelers’ dominated the game from start to finish. A brace from Finnerty was backed up by goals from King, Huttel, Birnstill and Legue whilst Woolhouse stayed strong in front of some spirited Capitals attacks.

It was a vitalising victory for the Steelers who needed a boost after two shaky performances.

Belfast Giants 5 Coventry Blaze 0

Coventry returned to the rink looking for some points after their pointless weekend less time out. However Belfast were on again a hot streak.

The Giants picked up a 4-point lead with 13 goals scored and non conceded.

Braehead Clan 5 Dundee Stars 6 (APS)

The Stars – Clan game was the game of the round with the Stars looking to take advantage of the Capitals poor run and the Clan on some good form.

The Stars took the lead twice early only to find themselves 3 goals behind going into the last ten minutes. It was Kolanos, Maclean and McIntosh who netted within a minute of each other to level the scores and send the game to overtime.

No overtime winner was found and it fell to Chris Whitely to save from the usually reliable Jade Galbraith to win the game for the home team.

Nottingham Panthers 4 Fife Flyers 3

The Flyers were missing 3 players in their match up but again the Kirkcaldy side made it difficult for the visitors. But it was the visitors who showed the skill and took an advantage through Benedict and Francis.

It was a lead that they wouldn’t relinquish but a third period double from Gunn meant that the Panthers couldn’t relax.

Hull Stingrays 3 Cardiff Devils 5

The Devils maintained their good run of form to remain in contention for a top 4 finish with a controlling display against the Stingrays.

However it was the Stingrays that took the lead through former Devil Jason Silverthorn but a double from Matzka and 1 from Gerard Adams meant the Devils were in control of the tie.

Hull remained in contention with a Sylvan Cloutier strike but 2 in a minute from Pierce and Scott Matzka (for his hat trick) put the game beyond doubt even though Osman came in with consolation for the Stingrays.

English Premier League

There were just 3 games in the EPL on Sunday night and with Guildford not in action it was a chance for the Manchester Phoenix to close the gap. The Phoenix were missing Slava Koulikov to an injury picked up in the tie at Bracknell on Saturday night but looked to have done enough to beat the Berkshire outfit for the second night in a row. But with 90 seconds to go the Bees found an equaliser that appeared to be taking the game to overtime until James Archer netted his second of the game with 18 seconds left on the clock to win it for the Manchester Phoenix.

The 3^rd and 4^th placed sides also meant at Ice Sheffield with both sides having lost the night before. The Jets took the lead but it was Sheffield who came away with the spoils and leapfrog their opponents into third spot.

The final game of the night was in Peterborough where the Phantoms were involved in another high scoring match up this time against the Milton Keynes Lightning. This time though it was the Lightning who did the majority of the scoring to beat the Phantoms who remain outside of the playoffs but tied on points with the Bracknell Bees.

Scores

Sunday 26^th February

EIHL

Hull Stingrays 3 Cardiff Devils 5

Edinburgh Capitals 0 Sheffield Steelers 7

Belfast Giants 5 Coventry Blaze 0

Nottingham Panthers 4 Fife Flyers 3

Braehead Clan 5 Dundee Stars 6 (APS)

EPL

Bracknell Bees 2 Manchester Phoenix 3

Milton Keynes Lightning 9 Peterborough Phantoms 3

Slough Jets 3 Sheffield Steeldogs 5

Neil Tucker

www.bluelinehockeyblog.wordpress.com

Big Night of Wins and Upsets in the EIHL and EPL (UK Round Up 25th February)

It was a big night in the title races as wins, upsets and almost caused a shake up in the league titles of both the EIHL and EPL.

Sheffield Steelers 1 Braehead Clan 2

It was a Friday night start for the weekends EIHL fixtures as the Steelers played another of their games in hand in Braehead. It was all going to plan when Colt King put the Steelers ahead at he end of the first period but Adam Walker tied the game after the first intermission. It was a tight game thereafter but it was Drew Bannister that broke the deadlock and the spoils for the home side.

Saturday 25^th February

Braehead Clan 5 Edinburgh Capitals 4 (APS)

Hot on the heels of their win over Sheffield the Clan headed to Murrayfield for their second of 3 games this weekend.

It was a first period full of action with the Capitals taking a 2-goal lead before the Clan equalised and fell behind by a 2-goals again by the mid point in the middle period. But the Clan weren’t done as they equalised through Wirill and Campbell.

No winner could be found in the extra period but Galbraith and Krestanovich hit the winners in the shootout.

Belfast Giants 8 Hull Stingrays 0

With the Steelers loss the night before the Giants knew this was their chance to take full control of the title race.

After a slow start the Giants got into their strand without a let up. A brace from Dowd and Mason was backed up by goals from Pelle, Peacock and Keefe in a game where nothing went the Stingrays who including mussing a penalty shot.

Sheffield Steelers 5 Fife Flyers 3

The Steelers knew that they couldn’t afford to slip up again but the Kirkcaldy ice rink has not been the kindest on the Steelers. The second period was that slip up for the Steelers as they found themselves goal behind by the end of it.

Hard work and a bit of luck in the third period were just what the Steelers needed and what they got. Firstly De Caro saved a penalty shot before Fulgham and King gave the Steelers the lead. Fife then thought they had saved the game through Todd Dutiaume only for Mick Hicks to rule it out.

A frantic last few minutes from the Flyers did not produce the equaliser but a Steelers insurance marker through Jeff Legue

That win leaves the Steelers and Giants head to head in the title race.

Cardiff Devils 3 Nottingham Panthers 6

It was a run and gun game in Nottingham as both sides racked up the chances. But it was Nottingham took theirs. The Panthers out scored the Devils in each period with a brace from GB international David Clarke.

English Premier League

The Guildford Flames showed the rest of the EPL why they are in the hot seat for the title as they brushed aside their cup final rivals the Sheffield Steelers. Manchester however did keep up the pressure on the Flames with a win in Bracknell. But it is now looking like a two horse race as the Jets went down 4 – 0 to the up and down Milton Keynes Lightning.

Peterborough’s win in Basingstoke was a big step towards their playoff push as Swindon’s at home to Telford also boosts their chances of making the end of season party.

Results

Friday 24^th February

EIHL

Sheffield Steelers 1 Braehead Clan 2

Saturday 25^th February

EIHL

Sheffield Steelers 5 Fife Flyers 3

Cardiff Devils 3 Nottingham Panthers 6

Belfast Giants 8 Hull Stingrays 0

Braehead Clan 5 Edinburgh Capitals 4 (APS)

EPL

Telford Tigers 2 Swindon Wildcats 7

Manchester Phoenix 5 Bracknell Bees 3

Sheffield Steeldogs 1 Guildford Flames 4

Peterborough Phantoms 8 Basingstoke Bison 5

Slough Jets 0 Milton Keynes Lightning 4

Neil Tucker

www.bluelinehockeyblog.wordpress.com

Nottingham Panthers Lay Down the Law (UK Round Up - 19th February)

What an exciting end of the week in the EIHL and EPL !!!

Nottingham Panthers 9 Edinburgh Capitals 0

With the top two not in action the Nottingham Panthers had a golden chance to move back into second place.

After a controlling the game through the first two periods the floodgates opened up. The Panthers scoring 6 times in the final period including 3 goals in the last 2 minutes.

That victory lifts the Panthers over the Steelers into second place. Whereas the loss means the Capitals are winless now in their last 11 games in danger of slipping out of the play offs.

Cardiff Devils 5 Hull Stingrays 3

The Hull Stingrays recent good run of form had seen them lifted higher into the playoffs and out of immediate danger of missing the end of season showdown. However the Devils put paid to that as a brace from Macrae meant the Stingrays would leave the weekend without a point.

Jason Silverthorn’s 57^th minute goal though did offer give the home side a chance in what was other wise a dominating display from the Cardiff Devils.

Braehead Clan 6 Coventry Blaze 4

In a rematch from Saturday night the Clan went to the Skydome. The hometown Blaze had been beaten in Glasgow in that match and another defeat tonight would lift the Clan above them into fifth place.

For such a challenge there is only one man in the Elite League who can step up, Jade Galbraith. In a tight, end to game the Canadian proved to be the difference as his hat trick lifted the visitors to a 4-point weekend and fifth place in the EIHL.

English Premier League

All EPL teams were back in action tonight as after 20 minutes the Guildford Flames gave the Manchester Phoenix and Slough Jets a glimmer of hope in the title race. The Flames were tied at 0 – 0 with the Swindon Wildcats but that glimmer was extinguished in the second as the Flames went on to win 9 -1 and remain in control in the title race.

The Phoenix and the Jets though both kept up the pressure tho with wins over the Milton Keynes Lightning and Telford Tigers. The Sheffield Steeldogs also picked up a valuable win in overtime over the Bracknell Bees who were also grateful for a point. In a tight race playoff race the Bees point may prove important the chasing Peterborough Phantoms also picked up a point in their shootout lose at the Basingstoke Bison. 

Results

Elite League

Nottingham Panthers 9 Edinburgh Capitals 0

Cardiff Devils 5 Hull Stingrays 3

Braehead Clan 6 Coventry 4

English Premier League

Swindon Wildcats 1 Guildford Flames 9

Milton Keynes Lightning 2 Manchester Phoenix 5

Peterborough Phantoms 6 Basingstoke Bison 7 (APS)

Sheffield Steeldogs 3 Bracknell Bees 2 (AOT)

Telford Tigers 1 Slough Jets 5

Neil Tucker

www.bluelinehockeyblog.wordpress.com

EPL and EIHL Action (UK Round Up 18th February)

Elite League

Sheffield Steelers 1 Nottingham Panthers 5

The Steelers and the Panthers met for the second time in a week. The Steelers had won the Valentines clash in Sheffield before heading to Dundee to scrap a victory.  The Panthers however were fresh and out for revenge.

However it was the Steelers who took the lead first through Jonathan Phillips but that proved to be the kick that the Panthers needed and scored 5 goals without reply. The Steelers looked to have run out of gas as they entered the third period.

The Steelers now have 4 games in hand over the Giants and 7 points to make up.

Fife Flyers 1 Belfast Giants 7

Meanwhile in Belfast the Giants were looking for their second win of the weekend after beating the Hull Stingrays on Friday. The Giants knew that nothing but a win would be needed to keep the pressure up and maintain their advantage at the top of the EIHL.

The Flyers always knew this would be a difficult tie but set about their task in well-disciplined fashion but the Giants were clinical. 3 first period goals were followed by a forth in the second from Craig Peacock.

There was no let up in the third period as the Giants continued their ruthless display. But a penalty shot from Stephen Gunn meant the Flyers head back to Kirkcaldy with a consolation goal.

The game was marred by an incident between Dan Ceman and Adam Keefe after the hand shakes.

Dundee Stars 6 Edinburgh Capitals 3

In the Murrayfield Ice Rink there was a east of Scotland derby with the Stars chasing the Capitals for the last playoff spot.

With both teams needing the points it was the Stars that stole a march in the second thanks to 2 goals in a minute at the start of the period. Dundee continued that momentum in the third to move within 3 points off of the Edinburgh Capitals and eighth place in the table.

Coventry Blaze 4 Braehead Clan 5

On the other side of Scotland the Clan were in action against the Blaze looking to move closer to the top four.

In form Jade Galbraith gave the Clan a first period two goal lead before the Blaze fought back to tie the game. However the Clan regained their 2-goal lead before the end of the second.

A very late Robert Farmer goal did cut the deficit but as the home side took the spoilers.

English Premier League Cup

It was a big night in Manchester as the top 2 put their league differences to one side to meet in the Semi Final 1^st leg with the winners going through to the final to face the Sheffield Steeldogs.

It was a nervy and edge start as the Manchester Phoenix looked to have taken the lead when the puck appeared to have hit the top corner netting only to be ruled out. The luck continued to go to the Flames as they then twice took the lead but Long’s equaliser tied the scores at 2 heading into Wednesday’s second leg.

English Premier League

There were 3 other games in the EPL with the Slough Jets looking to get their title challenge back on track. However Slough near lost their opportunity coming back to beat Peterborough in overtime. Basingstoke also got an important 2 points against Bracknell. Whilst the Milton Keynes Lightning gained a valuable win over Swindon before they head to Manchester for Sundays clash.

Results

Elite League

Dundee Stars 6 Edinburgh Capitals 3

Coventry Blaze 3 Braehead Clan 4

Fife Flyers 1 Belfast Giants 7

Sheffield Steelers 1 Nottingham Panthers 5

English Premier League Cup 1^st Leg

Guildford Flames 2 Manchester Phoenix 2

English Premier League

Peterborough Phantoms 4 Slough Jets 5 (AOT)

Bracknell Bees 1 Basingstoke Bison 3

Swindon Wildcats 3 Milton Keynes Lightning 6

Neil Tucker

www.bluelinehockeyblog.wordpress.com

Could the UK host a Winter Classic?

Today saw the KHL host its Russika Klassika, its version of the NHL’s winter classic. The game played in Kraysnoyarks comes just over a week since it was made official that the 2013 NHL winter classic will take place at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbour where the largest ever attendance is expected at The Big House for the Detroit Red Wings and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Outdoor hockey has become increasing popular with the NHL going to host it’s sixth edition and outdoor games have been played in the AHL, KHL, NCAA and ElitSerien creating massive exposure not only in ice hockey but in general sports as well. So perhaps now is the time for the Elite League to follow suit and host its own version.

There are some hurdles to get over but they are less than you might think. From a technical point of view an ice rink would be easy to construct at any location with temporary ice rinks now a common sight across the UK at Christmas in town centers.

A location is harder to pin down. There are many stadiums that are versatile enough to host such an event but soccer teams use these over the winter. However there is Murrayfield in Edinburgh, the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff and of course Wembley, although these grounds are probably a little bit big for an ice hockey game in this country.

But a ground could be picked depending on the teams being involved and in order to have a big interest and big attendance it could realistically only be the Sheffield Steelers and the Nottingham Panthers. Mainly because they both have fans that travel in numbers and the rivalry between has become electric. As for a location in Nottingham or Sheffield it is hard to see beyond Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield.

Don Valley is across the road from Ice Sheffield who could supply the rink, it is close to where the Sheffield Steelers already play and most importantly it will be available for sometime before the event with Rotherham United soccer team due to move out at the end of the current soccer season. This venue could lead to a longer event with a roses game between the Sheffield Steeldogs and the Manchester Phoenix preceding the main event.

The downside could be the Sheffield weather though. Whilst the temperature on say Boxing Day would be cold enough it might also be raining rather than snowing and this is the problem. The rain would provide a dangerous playing surface and could prove to make the game a wash out which would be terrible for the publicity.

The major snag however is the cost. Not only in hosting such an event but also in the profit the Steelers could lose out on by not having a full arena. It would be hoped that the later would be offset by the increased publicity leading to more fans but whom and how the hosting costs would be accounted for is a different matter.

Of course ticket prices would account for some of the price and hopefully sponsorship and advertising would also cover the costs but both rely on high amounts and maybe even a television deal as well.

There is no doubt that outdoor games have caught the imagination of hockey fans around the world. In many countries they have managed to recreate the atmosphere of cup final. It is true that in the UK as well there is a buzz around the NHL’s Winter Classic and as the UK has the capacity to host an outdoor game shouldn’t it be attempted.

Neil Tucker

www.bluelinehockeyblog.wordpress.com

UK Round Up 14th February – Tendler Suspended and No Valentines Love Between the Steelers and the Panthers

It was an important day for the Elite League and British hockey as there were two big news stories in the EIHL today both coming out of Yorkshire.

Firstly in Hull the Stingrays have announced they will be without top scorer Jerome Tendler for some time as the forward has failed a drugs test.

Tendler has been missing from the Stingrays line up for 4 games since being informed of the news that he had tested positive after a game against the Coventry Blaze on January 15^th. The actual substance the Canadian was found to have taken has not been released yet but was described by the organisation as a ‘specified substance,’ which according to the World Anti Doping Authority, WADA, is one that is ‘more susceptible to a credible, non-doping explanation.’

Tendler will remain suspended from playing duties until his case is heard by the UK Anti Doping Agency however if found guilty Tendler could face a punishment of anything from a warning to a 2 year ban. The EIHL has not announced whether or not it plans to take its own disciplinary measures against the player or not.

It is a huge blow for the Stingrays who currently lie 7^th in the table and are looking to secure their playoff spot.

On the other side of Yorkshire there was no Valentines Day love to be shown at the Motorpoint Arena as the Sheffield Steelers faced their biggest rivals the Nottingham Panthers. Eleven years after a mass brawl on the ice in the NIC between the two sides there has been little love ever since.

Tonight’s meeting was important for both sides, as both need a win to keep the pressure up on Belfast at the top of the table. The tone was set early as David Clarke put the Panthers ahead after just over a minute only for Colt King to reply for home side less than a minute later.

The second period followed a similar pattern as Birnstill this time put the Steeler’s in front before Robert Lachowicz replied for the Panthers. The deadlock was finally broken in the third period as the Panthers penalty troubles caught up with them with Steelers player coach Ryan Finnerty notching the gaming-winning goal after fighting with Brock Wilson earlier in the game.

Jonathan Philips netted with just over a minute remain to seal the victory, move the Steelers 3 points clear of the Panthers in second place and 2 points closer to the Giants but also seals a first win in 5 attempts so far this season against their arch rivals.

Results

Elite League

Tuesday 14^th February

Nottingham Panthers 2 Sheffield Steelers 4

Neil Tucker

www.bluelinehockeyblog.wordpress.com

Neil Tucker and Blueliner are the UK Hockey Connection for GetRealHockey

Neil Tucker is a British hockey fan based just outside of England’s third largest city, Manchester. A fan of all sports including Rugby League, Speedway and archery but it is ice hockey that has been his first love since first watching the Manchester Storm play the Ayr Scottish Eagles in 1996 at the age of 9.

A graduate of the Manchester Metropolitan University Neil started writing about ice hockey in 2010 following a trip to see the Winter Classic for the Manchester Phoenix newsletter. Shortly afterwards the Blueliner Hockey Blog was started with the goal to highlight British ice hockey and hockey travel.

Today the Blueliner Hockey Tour has taken in places from Blackpool to Prague to Stockholm and Toronto and promotes hockey travel in association with online agent Nickes.com. In the coming months the Blueliner Hockey Blog is looking to complete its transition to Blueliner Hockey with its own domain which will continue to provide all hockey fans taking in games in new cities or countries with all the information they will need such as how to get tickets, how to get the rink, where to eat, drink and stay. As well as this Blueliner Hockey will continue to offer information and opinions on British ice hockey.

Away from his own site Neil Tucker writes regularly for Get Real Hockey where he covers British ice hockey and as a guest writer for other hockey sites as well as product describer for online golf store Scottsdalegolf.co.uk.

Neil Tucker

www.bluelinehockeyblog.wordpress.com