The Elite League playoff quarter-finals are wide open, with no team eliminated after the first night of postseason play.
The Guildford Flames and Sheffield Steelers played to a 1-1 draw in Surrey. Meanwhile, the Belfast Giants, Cardiff Devils, and Manchester Storm secured narrow one-goal victories against the Glasgow Clan, Coventry Blaze, and Nottingham Panthers, respectively.
Sunday’s upcoming games will determine the matchups for Playoff Finals Weekend.
Around the Rinks: Saturday, April 11
Guildford Flames 1-1 Sheffield Steelers
Guildford Flames Coach Paul Dixon: Described it as a good playoff hockey game, praising his team’s first-period performance and their ability to withstand pressure in the second. He highlighted the strong goaltending from both sides and expressed satisfaction with their compete level heading into the second leg.
Sheffield Steelers Coach Aaron Fox: Called it an entertaining, two-way, physical playoff game. He noted a slow start but felt his team played well after the first ten minutes. Fox was content with the 1-1 scoreline heading home and acknowledged the outstanding goaltending of the Flames, stating they have a chance to win and advance at home.
Belfast Giants 1-0 Glasgow Clan
Belfast Giants Coach George Awada: Labeled it a tight battle, with both teams playing well and a close game through the neutral zone. He acknowledged the intensity of playoff hockey and emphasized the need to be ready for the Clan’s strong home performance in the next game.
Glasgow Clan Coach Mike Sirant: Felt his team competed hard and played well, despite the tough late loss. He described the game as intense, physical, and fast, believing they have given themselves a chance in the next match. Sirant is looking forward to playing at home in front of their fans and winning to advance.
Coventry Blaze 1-2 Cardiff Devils
Coventry Blaze Coach Kevin Moore: Considered it a good game overall but found it difficult to analyze fully due to the two-leg format. He stressed the importance of rest, recovery, and bringing their best performance in the next game.
Cardiff Devils Coach Paul Thompson: Stated they are “halfway there” and played a solid road game, limiting the opposition and performing strongly in face-offs. He credited his centremen and wingers for winning battles, which allowed for more offensive play.
Manchester Storm 2-1 Nottingham Panthers
Manchester Storm Coach Cam Critchlow: Characterized it as a playoff-style game with high pace and physicality. He praised the goaltending from both sides and acknowledged the tight nature of the game, despite numerous opportunities. Critchlow emphasized the need to secure a win in the next game, expecting Nottingham’s best effort.
Nottingham Panthers Coach Danny Stewart: Believed Manchester came out with more energy in the first period and deserved their lead, describing the first goal as a bit unlucky. He was pleased with his team’s second and third periods, acknowledging the strong performance of the Storm’s goaltender and the physicality of the game. Stewart would have accepted being down by one goal at the end, given they were down by two earlier.
