EIHL round up 31/01
Pride of place, in this weeks round up must go to the Manchester Storm for qualifying for the Challenge Cup quarters. After only minimal preparation at the start of the season, after all they did step in when Hull were unable to compete, they have gradually gained an identity.
They ran out 3-1 winners of rivals Coventry Blaze to pip them for the last play off spot.
Coventry/Manchester video
The Elite league games for Sheffield – against Nottingham Panthers on Saturday and
Cardiff Devils on Sunday were overshadowed by some rather suspect officiating.
On Saturday the puck appeared to strike the
post, but after consultation it was ruled to have passed through the netting.
In a slow motion replay afterwards this was shown to be a good call but on
Sunday a Sheffield goal was disallowed for ‘a
man in the crease’. On first sight and in real time it was a very close call,
BUT the referee was given the benefit of seeing in slow motion a review of the
play which showed he was mistaken. However the original call stood.
In the games on Saturday Nottingham came
from behind to win and on Sunday Sheffield netminder Tyler Plante was replaced
in goal by young Brad Day after the first choice netminder had to retire
through injury; Sheffield won the game in overtime through Robert Dowd.
Nottingham/Sheffield video
Sheffield/Cardiff video
Justin Fox netted the
overtime winner as Fife Flyers beat Dundee Stars 4-3 in the Scottish derby on
Saturday and In the Challenge Cup; Jake Morissette scored his ninth goal
of the season as Cardiff Devils defeated Coventry Blaze 6-4 in Cardiff.
Coventry/Cardiff video
Belfast Giants netminder
Stephen Murphy stopped two penalties in the shootout as Belfast Giants won 4-3 in
Glasgow at
Braehead Clan.