Elite Ice Hockey League: Crucial weekend ahead for Cardiff Devils

The history of all team sports is littered with stories of a particular weekend where a league campaign was won or lost.

With six weeks left of the Elite League season there is a lot of hockey still to be played, but many Cardiff Devils fans could be forgiven for thinking their title challenge could rest on the next two games.

On Friday, the Devils host league leaders Belfast Giants at the Vindico Arena and on Sunday they visit fourth-placed Nottingham Panthers.

Even though Cardiff have 15 Elite League games left to play, it is difficult to avoid the feeling that success this weekend is paramount for the team currenrtly occupying second placed.

And Devils head coach Paul Thompson acknowledged the importance of the next two matches.

“I don't think it’ll decide the season because we all must play each other so many times but it’s pretty crucial we come out the right way,” Thompson told BBC Sport Wales.

“Belfast have been on an unbelievable run of just picking up points when they shouldn’t.

“They’re picking up points in overtime, picking up points late in the game, when they’re behind they’re finding a way to keep the point board ticking and that’s why they’ve been the team with all the wins.

“It’s their experience of having players that have won multiple championships and the rest of the pack are just chasing it.”