It’ll take an epic collapse for the Belfast Giants to miss out on the Elite League title.
Adam Keefe’s squad started the season sluggishly, owning a 3-3-1 record through the opening month, but have rolled and rolled and rolled ever since.
The Giants already have one hand of the trophy, needing just one more win from their final six games to win their fifth regular-season crown in six years, but there is plenty to play for further down the table.
The Cardiff Devils, Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers are squabbling over the remaining top-four playoff seeds, while the Glasgow Clan, Guildford Flames, and Coventry Blaze fight to avoid a quarter-final date with Belfast.
The Manchester Storm almost have fifth place sown up, with Cam Critchlow’s side notching a perfect four-point weekend in Round 28.
With that, let’s dive into our latest Team of the Week selections, which includes the Nottingham Panthers’ midweek Challenge Cup final triumph.
Elite League Team of the Week: Round 28
Mat Robson, Coventry Blaze:
Mat Robson deserves a trophy. Unfortunately, hockey is a cruel mistress.
The Canadian was at his resplendent best in Wednesday’s Challenge Cup final, making 39 saves on 42 shots as the Blaze fell in overtime at ‘home’ in Nottingham against Nottingham.
Robson’s play in the first period alone was stupendous.
Without the 29-year-old’s virtuoso interventions, Kevin Moore’s squad would’ve entered the first intermission at least three goals down.
It wasn’t to be for Robson or the Blaze in the final: the Panthers were the better side and deserve their silverware.
But Coventry’s netminder is a Team of the Week lock regardless. Different gravy.
Chase Harrison, Manchester Storm:
Chase Harrison is an unassuming Team of the Week inclusion.
He skated away from Round 28 with one point, an assist in Manchester’s 4-2 win over the Guildford Flames, and two blocks — and his all-round play warrants recognition.
Playing solid, second-pair minutes, the 29-year-old has been a steadying presence all season long for the Storm, who look increasingly secure in their position as ‘best of the rest’.
Often overlooked, the Canadian deserves his flowers this time around.
Karl Boudrais, Belfast Giants:
Karl Boudrais isn’t the flashiest player on the Giants’ blueline.
Mike Lee and Gabe Bast routinely take the plaudits, but Belfast’s success is built on the strength in depth — and Boudrais is a crucial piece of the puzzle.
The Canadian made three blocks, and finished plus-three, as the Giants toppled the Clan 4-1 on Sunday [22 March] — a win that leaves Belfast within touching distance of the title.
Kristoff Kontos, Cardiff Devils:
Kristoff Kontos, Cardiff Devils (Image: James Assinder)
The Dundee Stars can’t wait for the season to end — and Kristoff Kontos took full advantage.
The 32-year-old sunk six points (three goals, three assists) over the course of back-to-Dundee drubbings, scoring a hattrick on Sunday.
Kontos’ dominant weekend elevates him back within a shade of a point-per-game clip: he has 46 points (15 goals, 31 assists) in 47 games so far.
Josh Waller, Guildford Flames:
Josh Waller, Guildford Flames (Image: John Uwins)
Josh Waller isn’t wasting his prime.
The 26-year-old is on pace for a second consecutive career year, finding form at the right time with the playoffs and Team Great Britain’s World Championship return looming.
Waller scored twice as Guildford stymied the Blaze on Sunday, ripping ten shots on goal through a dominant, 21-minute performance.
With his ice time trending up, the 1999-born forward is one to watch down the stretch.
Bryan Lemos, Nottingham Panthers:
Bryan Lemos, Nottingham Panthers (Image: Panthers Images)
Bryan Lemos has proven, once and for all, that he is truly clutch.
The Canadian reserves his best performances for the biggest stages, a tendency that has made him a fan- and coach-favourite in Nottingham.
Lemos started the week with a pair of assists in the Challenge Cup final, before scoring in the Panthers’ 4-2 win over the Steelers.
It’s not the first time that he’s starred when it matters the most.
The American tallied three points in three games to help Nottingham win the IIHF Continental Cup in January — and he shows no signs of slowing down.
Lemos is nominally a third-liner under Danny Stewart, but his play and production is that of a star.
The Panthers must keep hold of him this summer.
