Midweek Musings...

First of all, I know it's a bit lazy, but rather than write a new One Minute Preview for tonights Challenge Cup match, I shall simply link to the breakdown I did the last time Coventry met Belfast...as that's still mostly correct. However, a few modifications to it...

Belfast having Stevie Lyle in net makes things far more even in the netminding department this time round-however statistically Perras is still the better goalie despite being roundly criticised this season. With Blake Forsyth performing very well indeed in front of him, the Blaze defence has also improved, and of course we have the psychological effects of a four-point weekend and an epic comeback to consider, putting the Blaze in a far stronger-looking position coming into this game than they were in barely two weeks ago, despite missing Ben O'Connor through injury and possibly Erik Hjalmarsson also.

But the wild-card (and "wild" is the operative word) is the return of Jason Rushton to these shores. After a scrap with Jeremy Cornish after two seconds at the weekend, you can bet that Rushton will be after the Blaze from the opening faceoff, particularly Carlson, Calder and the other "skill players". A lot will rest on how the Blaze deal with him, although with both Carlyle Lewis and Danny Stewart available, the Blaze aren't short of those who will be willing to step in to protect their skill players. Also, with the second leg not until next Wednesday, this game differes from the KO Cup-the Blaze need to put down a marker for what will be a very tough game in Dundonald, particularly with Sheffield coming at the weekend also.

Should be an enthralling match-up...and there'll be a report of sorts on here tomorrow for those of you who can't make it...

Now, on to the rest of the week's news so far...

If you're injured, you ain't much use: Well, that's not strictly true. Marc Fulton and Derek Campbell have both been officially de-registered by Cardiff due to being out until the end of the season, but the Devils are standing by them through their rehabilitation, which is an excellent thing to see. Both Fulton and Campbell will remain part of the club off-ice, according to various sources. As reported on Monday, though, Matt Elich will take their spot on the roster.

I'm thinking of the relationship between "rats" and "sinking ship" right now: Another player has left the beleaguered Basingstoke Bison. Ross Bowers has returned to the EPL, joining Slough Jets for the final stretch of the regular season and the playoffs after impressing having made the step up from MK Lightning at the beginning of the season. There are rumours that Shaun Thompson could be following him from Basingstoke, although it's looking more and more likely that the team will be making the move to the EPL lock, stock and barrel at the end of this season...

That's your round-up done for a Wednesday-tomorrow we'll reflect on tonight's game and also look at rumours of changes in the EIHL set-up for next season.

Keep keping your eye on the puck...