Sat 28th Jan Capitals (H), Sun 29th Panthers (A)

[fleece]

Last time we played Caps, they thrashed us 8-2 (not the best Scottish weekend I've been on), although things have improved for us since then, we can't be complacent, I'm going to stick my neck out and say regulation win with a 3 goal margin

It's going to take some game to compare with the last 'Battle of Nottingham' I'd be well happy with an away point but predict a regulation loss, with a single goal margin

[scott]

I'm hoping for at least 2 from 4 and ideally 3 from 4. That to me depends on how many D we get back from injury though as the Panthers ice pad is so large that it's going to take a toll on us if we're short benched.

That being said Panthers are on a 3 game losing streak (As of Monday) so if we approach the game with the right mindset and play our game not theirs then we have a chance of 4 points.

We need to pick up all the points we can and as gutting as it is, I'll take a losing overtime point over no points every game.

I'll be there to capture the action in both games.

[chunk]

Saturday is a must win game for me. If we were to lose and with the Caps at home to the Storm the following night, they could easily end up gaining four points on us. They'd be 2 points behind with four games in hand - we need to win.

Sunday's a great opportunity for us. The Panthers are on a losing streak, they've got a Challenge cup Semi Final tonight and the Devils away on Saturday before the face us. We should be getting something from that game too.

Hopefully, we can use this weekend to get a grip on that last play off spot.

[takina]

I'm with chunk - we need a win on Sat, preferably in 60 mmins.

As chunksays a couple of tough games coming up for Panthers and tonight they are missing Clarke, Schultz and Lawrence. If we can get back at least 2 of our missing 3 D then I wouldn't rule out a point on Sunday

So 2 a minimum, 3+ a bonus

[IX2T311]

If could have all three of them back I'd be happy to put us as a regulation win on Sunday, without them though you'd have to leave it as a loss, and anywhere in between would be uncharted territory. Saturday is a game that we definitely need to win, and all the better if we can win it within 60 minutes, and I like to think we'll get both of those points regardless of how many return. (Though the more we have Saturday the less tired we'll be for Sunday).
4-1 win against Edinburgh, 2-3 win against Nottingham if we're at full strength and a 3-2 loss against Nottingham if we're not. I'm feeling positive for these games.

[antlers]

Does anyone know what is wrong with the three injured players or when they are likely to return

[fleece]

Jan 27, 2017 10:36:34 GMT antlers said:

Does anyone know what is wrong with the three injured players or when they are likely to return

got too comfy in the Sky Lounge if you ask me

[hidehi]

If they can get up those stairs then they are fit enough to play 

[IX2T311]

Nice to see we're favourites for tonight, 8/15 for us and 16/5 on Edinburgh, hopefully our performance can show that.

[takina]

Thought Edinburgh played a tight well disciplined game, they just ran out of steam a bit in P3 and in truth the 4-1 score line isn't a fair reflection. Certainly had it not be for some heroics by Stewart in P1 we'd have ended that first stanza 2 or 3 behind. That said, we dug in and ground out a win that we really needed. Good to see the points spread around again - Stewart (B) my mom but I thought Bergman and Marquardt also had good games and Liam, as always. did what Liam does and offered 100% every shift and deserved his 1+1

Didn't see what happened to Tait? Hopefully he'll be ok for tomorrow.

Nottingham trounced tonight, if we play smart tomorrow (smarter than tonight I hope) then there's a chance that we could be in the points

[fanta]

Cantin also left just after the empty net goal so possibly more injuries to come.

[jen]

Jan 29, 2017 9:04:44 GMT fanta said:

Cantin also left just after the empty net goal so possibly more injuries to come.

Cantin took a stick to the face and needed stitches, he will be playing tonight. Don't know what happened to Tait.

credit to the Caps fans last night, they were loud all through the game and a good laugh, nice to have away fans who can give and take banter without throwing insults or demeaning chants.

[IX2T311]

I heard Tait and Cantin will both be playing tonight, along with Jorgensen, but there's no return of Godfrey or Noble (unless something changes).

As was said in the interviews I listened to, we played 2 periods of hockey last night and in a way we were quite lucky that Stewart was as exceptional as he was, saying that though, I doubt we'll be able to be so lax against Nottingham. Odds are 4/6 on them and 13/5 for us. I don't know why but something is telling me that my earlier optimism was slightly misplaced, if we can get anything tonight it'll points gained, Nottingham are going to be playing hard for a win after last night.

[hidehi]

Tait not playing according to twitter

[takina]

Williams, Lawrence & Clarke out for Nottingham, Godfrey, Noble and Tait miss for us. At least that's according to the twittersphere .....

[takina]

Oh dear. It all looks to be going horribly wrong. 3-0 at 8.22 and Blaze call their time out

[takina]

7-1 at end P2 and Marr replaces Stewart after the 6th. Defensively woeful

[scott]

Game photos from both games over on my website: www.scottwiggins.co.uk