After Sunday’s visit to Basingstoke the Wildcats have now played every team in the league. Having been following EPL hockey for over 10 years now I feel it’s safe to say this is the best EPL I’ve ever seen.
The strength in depth each team has this year is phenomenal (although I am yet to actually see the Hull Pirates). Every side looked like they had improved over the summer and having seen nine of the 10 teams it’s safe to say they really have. Having looked at the league table the thing that jumps out at me is the fact no side is running away with anything and no side is really too far away from the bottom of the table.
The MK Lightning (who Swindon face on Saturday) are top by a single point but have played more games than anyone else in the league. They are the only side who’ve made it to double figures in wins (8 in regulation and 3 in overtime), so on that basis deserve to be where they currently sit. Bringing in Pete Russell over the summer is proving to be a masterstroke, even if it does show my predictions to be completely wrong.
At the foot of the table the newly formed Hull Pirates are on seven points but are only three points away from a play-off place, although they have played a game more than Sheffield and Bracknell. Whilst they’re yet to win in regulation they’ve been taking games to overtime and getting their points that way. If they can get a couple of regulation wins they’ll be well in the mix.
I think the biggest shock so far has been the form of the Tigers. Telford won the league at a canter last year and added Joe Graham and Phil Hill to their roster, but they haven’t been able to string the wins together and in particular have really struggled on home ice. Telford are one place below the Cats in 6th place, but they look to be starting to find some form again after their four point weekend last time out.
For the Cats, they need to keep doing what they’re doing. Considering all the upheaval there has been at the Link Centre so far, getting frequent wins and putting in strong performances are key. Whilst the four point weekend still eludes us, we’re in the top half of the table, we’ve got a squad where no more changes are to be expected and what’s important now is to concentrate, work hard and keep plugging away.
If we can’t be getting four point weekends then a win a weekend is imperative. Facing the top two sides in the league this weekend will prove to be difficult, but it’s a challenge I’m sure Aaron and his troops will relish.