Weekend Preview 07/2-08/2: Storm (A), Dundee Stars (H)

On the back of 2 good showings last weeekend, one of which was against Storm, in their barn, here's a quick look at the games that lie ahead.

Saturday: Manchester Storm - Away.

Storm have had our number in Altrincham all season. The last two times we've been there have both been losses, with last weekends being a much better outing than the 3-0 defeat we got over the Christmas period.

Hopefully, Sheffield can build on the 2 performances over last weekend and grab a win in Manchester. At this point, whilst we're not out of title contention, it shouldn't be the primary aim. Points on the board is always a good thing, but getting wins under your belt and confidence flowing is much needed ahead of the upcoming cup fixtures, and a win against Manchester, in their barn, should be a huge booster. Keep it tight. Manchester thrive on the transition, and they've got the players for it. They're fast, they're absolutely killer in their finishing, and they're not afraid to get involved in the slightly dirtier aspects of hockey, and absolutely will get under your skin. Keep your cool, keep them to the outside, and get a win, by hook or by crook. Storm like to defend by going man on man and having 3 players up high near the blue line to kick start transitions, so move the puck about, get it down low and have your D men get the puck on and off their sticks as quick as possible.

Starting McAdam is definitely the right choice here. Greenfield, whilst I don't think has been terrible, needs a rest. McAdam was brought in to allow for that, and he got a shutout last weekend against Fife. Ride the hot hand, and bring Greenfield back tomorrow against a Stars team who look devoid of most things
Aside from that, we've a few injuries at the minute but, Ritchie and Tremblay being back after leaving last weekend early is always a welcomed addition, with Shudra and Tansey still being out for the minute. This is the same lineup (minus IBN, who is currently North of the border with GB) and combo's we ran with last weekend against Fife, and it worked then. So lets keep it moving.
Keeping Ritchie, Heard and Harper in their current rich vein of form should help here too, and the latter 2 seem to be revitalised by their new line mate, and long may it continue.

Sunday - Dundee Stars - Home.

Not much to say here. Last time Dundee beat us in Sheffield was 24/11/24, and since then, there's not been many games that have been much of a competition. That isn't to say we shouldn't be careful, though. Dundee have been, and always will be, capable of a few giant killings, and they're coming in on the back of (as of writing this, not sure how Saturday for them goes) 2 wins, one of which against Nottingham. Add to that a close 4-3 loss to Cardiff, and this Dundee team seem to be picking it back up a little bit, going late for a playoff push. Hopefully we come out of Manchester with no one else heading to the infirmary, and we have IBN back for a full line-up for a home game against Dundee, who should be more tired than us given they've got to travel from Dundee to Sheffield for a 4pm face-off.

Last time out saw Balmas get 3, in the Scotland weekend we will not talk about, as well as seeing Tait pickup a goal and 4 assists. Tait seemed to be in top form last weekend against Fife, so hopefully he can keep that going this weekend.

Special Mentions

Quick few special mentions for a few players

Obviously McAdam for his shutout last weekend. I love the boy but he plays with such an explosive and reactive style he genuinely scares me sometimes, but he's clearly quite solid so, long may it continue I guess?

Stephen Harper looks like he's becoming the exact player we thought he could be, with 7 points in his last 3, 4 of which being goals, with Heard collecting 6 points of his own in the same span of games. Brett Ritchie seems to have revitalised the powerplay too, which was much needed, so, as already mentioned, lets hope those three keep it up

Jordan Southorn (and, to a lesser extent, Diffley). After getting absolutely speared on twitter at the start of the season, granted, not entirely without merit, he's got 4 points in his last 3, including that wonderful shorty against Cardiff, and going +9 in the same span. Diffley has always been the big gorgeous boy on the blue line, but him and Southorn being put together looks to have been a stroke of genius. He never really lights up the scoreboard, but he did score against Fife, and has got 3 points in his last 3, but only going +5. Is Southorn better? Who knows. (me, no he's not)

Dowd, for the love of fucking god, please just trip into the goal and score. Stop letting everyone talk about this 400th goal as they have been for the last, what feels like, 6 years. Please.

Till the next time, over n out x