Following a wholly successful set of Quarter Final predictions, with four out of four predictions correct, albeit with no correct results, here, amid a collapsing BMI Baby Elite League, are my predictions for the Elite League Playoff Final Weekend.
Semi Final
Sheffield Steelers (1) v Cardiff Devils (6)After scoring an easy first leg victory over the Edinburgh Capitals, the Sheffield Steelers cruised to an aggregate victory over the Caps. Meanwhile, as predicted right here, the Cardiff Devils shocked the Knockout Cup and Challenge Cup winners, the Belfast Giants, with an overtime second leg win. This game pits the underdogs of the playoffs against the number one seeds, and two teams that are not without rivalry and history this season. It is almost a certainty that the playoff champion will prevail from this tie, with the Steelers edging it in a low scoring affair. But if there is to be a shock, be sure that the Devils will provide it, after a scintillating end to the season and a surprise win over the Giants.
Prediction:
Steelers 3-2 DevilsCoventry Blaze (2) v Nottingham Panthers (4)
Another game that is not without it's intense rivalry. This game pits the fallen champion and, thus far, trophy less, Coventry Blaze, against so-called Team Hollywood, aka perennial underachievers, the Nottingham Panthers. The Blaze just about passed the Newcastle Vipers in the Quarters, thanks to a stellar final ten minutes, whilst the Panthers expectedly beat the Manchester Phoenix. With the Panthers playing in front of thousands of home fans at the NIC, significantly more than any other team, and with the Blaze eager to end a god awful season, by their own high standards, it is difficult to see the Panthers lose this one. But once again this semi final matchup presents everything you need from a playoff game, fierce rivalry, two good teams and the goal of the playoff final, in front of a packed Trent FM Arena.
Prediction:
Blaze 3-4 PanthersFinal
Sheffield Steelers (1) v Nottingham Panthers (4)It is the final that the Elite League and both sets of supporters will have hoped for, and, if both sides make it, it promises to be one of the best, most enthralling games of the season. The Sheffield side have not had it all their own way over the Panthers this season, especially given their dominance over the rest of the league, so there is hope for the Panthers to score a victory over the unstoppable Steelers. However Sheffield have such a solid side it is difficult to see them pass up the opportunity for a second playoff triumph, even if it does take overtime and penalty shots.
Prediction:
Steelers 4-3 Panthers
