GAME THREAD: Panthers v. Steelers. Sat, 13th November.

[Mart]

Another game in the nearly rivalry...

[JoeySlats#13]

Rok to start this one I would imagine. Barry on Sunday against the Devils.

Chance for us to become top ranking seeds if we win our remaining 2 cup games, however, Coventry will be ranked eighth and will play the top seed and the Flyers will be ranked 7th and play the 2nd seed, so would rather play them to be honest. Not that we all want anything but 2 wins but I'm sure we would all pick to play Fife rather than the Blaze right now.

Anyway hopefully we haven't picked up any more injuries from the weekend and can get back to full strength and get some momentum going into Sunday against Cardiff.

Be interesting to see if we jiggle the lines again with Connolly now back for good it seems, as Eberle played well with Dowd and Vallerand. But before Connolly got injured that line was by far our best. And the early season chemistry between Hodgman and Eberle seemed to work well so I can see those 2 back together maybe with Latal (if fit). Then Sointu (if fit) with Armstrong (if fit) and DeLuca, leaving Jono with Mosey, which would mean no Graham or Whistle or Shudra. If only the roster size allowed for 4 line hockey, we could role a solid British 4th unit

Dowd-Connolly-Vallerand
Eberle-Hodgman-Latal
DeLuca-Armstrong-Sointu
Jono-ROTATE-Mosey

However, if no Latal or Big John (I'm assuming Sointu was only out with a knock and he will be straight back in) then maybe:

Dowd-Eberle-Vallerand
Sointu-Hodgman-Mosey
DeLuca-Connolly-Jono
Graham-Whistle-ROTATE

This would spread out those who are able to play center and take faceoffs rather than having Eberle as a winger playing alongside a true center like Hodgman.

[smbmetal]

Dead rubber game for me.

All efforts need to be for the Sunday game against Cardiff.

We’ve already qualified so no need to take any unnecessary risks.

Would be good if some of the young Brits are available. Great to get them some extra ice time in a non pressure game.

[heathk01]

Yawn fest how boring we play panties again and again and again

[Nathan]

Challenge Cup nothing game.

Next...

[Richard Parker]

Don't care what the result. Hopefully no further injuries and the guys are ready for the important game on Sunday.

[Jayboy]

Don't care what the result. Hopefully no further injuries and the guys are ready for the important game on Sunday.

Can we send in the steeldogs and see what they do? I am sure an agreement could be reached for the whole team to be loaned out for a couple of these matches, then share the gate revenue at the next CC home game

[mark_htfc]

Is anybody travelling down to the game tomorrow? I'm just looking at tickets now, and seen parking is a tenner at the arena. Is there anywhere cheaper to park?

[Nathan]

Don't care what the result. Hopefully no further injuries and the guys are ready for the important game on Sunday.

Can we send in the steeldogs and see what they do? I am sure an agreement could be reached for the whole team to be loaned out for a couple of these matches, then share the gate revenue at the next CC home game

Steeldogs left it all on the ice last night in Leeds.

Cracking game, makes me wonder if our Challenge Cup was arranged like an Autumn Cup style format it would create more interest and make it a bit more exciting instead of this ridiculous group stage nonsense we have now.

[Clowne57]

Looking at the ranking of the other teams I would prefer Fife at the next stage.