Article by Chris O'Brien
While much of the division has a rest weekend for the Cup final, it's double action for the Cardiff Fire in 48 hours that could have a massive impact on the play-off race.
Solent Devils and Chelmsford Chieftains go head to head over two legs for the Britton Cup this weekend - meaning a majority of players in the league can put their skates up.
But there's no rest for Elis Sheppard's Fire - in a 48-hour period that could have huge repercussions in the race for a top eight finish in the league, and the final play-off berth.
Last weekend, Swindon Wildcats II secured their spot in the play-offs, while Milton Keynes Thunders' losses, including a 5-0 reverse in the Welsh capital, made it a mathematical impossibility that they'll be involved in the end-of-season jamboree.
That means just one play-off spot remains to be decided - in a straight shoot out between the Fire and Oxford City Stars, who currently occupy eighth and ninth spot in the league respectively; and - fittingly - face off on Sunday in South Wales
But first Fire face a challenging trip to Streatham Redhawks at Saturday tea time - in a 5:30pm face off at Lambeth's Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre.
Despite the Cup final, Fire find themselves with a two-game weekend with the trip to Streatham rearranged for the free Saturday after falling victim to the storms a few weeks ago - with the Cardiff players unable to travel amid the blustery conditions.
Streatham will provide a stern test. The Redhawks are fighting a captivating title race with the Slough Jets - and can go within one point of their table-topping rivals with a win against Fire.
The London outfit have claimed comfortable 12-1 and 7-0 wins against their Cardiff opponents so far this term; and also have a trip to South Wales scheduled for 22 March which could yet prove a crucial game in both the title race, and the chase for the top eight. If Fire makes the play-offs, there could be further meetings between the two sides, too.
Attentions then quickly turn to a massive game at the Vindico-sponsored Ice Arena Wales on Sunday - as the two teams grappling for that final play-off spot face off in Cardiff.
Depending on the result at Streatham, a regulation time win would give Cardiff at the very least a handsome five point cushion over Oxford with a game in hand to boot; but the City Stars could potentially leapfrog Sheppard's side with a 60-minute success of their own; should it prove to be two losses in regulation time this weekend for Fire.
So while it's Solent and Chelsmford battling for silverware this weekend, Sunday's game in Cardiff has a Cup final feeling of its own.
Oxford were depleted through illness and absences for their losing trip to Invicta last weekend - travelling with only 14 skaters; but their head coach Mark Saunders told the Zero Pucks Given podcast that his side will have a "big week of practice" and aim to have a "full line-up" for a "massive" game in South Wales. For Fire, the game is a chance to win three home games on the spin - after big recent performances on home ice against Solent and MK Thunder.
Home advantage has proven crucial in the three games between the sides this season - Oxford edging out Fire 4-2, and 5-4 after a shoot out on home ice; while Fire beat the Stars 4-1 in the Welsh capital earlier in the campaign.
That highlights the importance of the #FireFamily bringing the noise this weekend - and tickets are still available!
With the Cardiff Devils over in Northern Ireland, Cardiff Fire hope a bumper crowd will roar them on in the play-off push in what is shaping up to be one of the biggest home games of the season! Enjoy the game!
Click HERE to buy your tickets - The puck drops 6:45pm vs Oxford City Stars this Sunday 23rd February at the Vindico Arena.
Photos by James Assinder
