On 17 January, 22 Elite League games have been played over the league’s history, the first two coming back in the inaugural season in 2003/04.
Twelve of those games resulted in home wins, nine in road victories, and there was one tie back in 2004. Including that game, four on this date have needed overtime, just two have gone to penalty shots, while Sheffield, Hull and Edinburgh are the only teams to have been shut out on this day.
Sheffield vs. Belfast in 2016 did in fact finish scoreless through 65 minutes, with the only goals coming in a shootout.
Considering the length of the trip, Fife’s record in Guildford is perhaps better than expected. The Flames have won 13 of the 21 league meetings between the teams in Surrey, on average coming out 4–2 winners. When the game goes to overtime, however, the Flyers have won both so far.
Cardiff’s home league record against Manchester was extended to 17 wins in 24 games with a victory earlier this season. Storm have come away with the points in just seven league fixtures in Cardiff.
Dundee host Coventry for the first time this season hoping to improve their home league record against the Blaze. The Stars have 14 wins in 38 games to date, having been on the wrong end of the scoreline 23 times against the Blaze all-time.
Photo: Derek Black