Guildford Flames and Coventry Blaze meet at the Spectrum on Saturday to begin a weekend double-header, with both sides seeking to climb into the top three in Challenge Cup Group A. Guildford are fourth with eight points from eight games; Coventry are fifth, one point behind with a game in hand. They meet again at the Skydome on Sunday. Both teams realistically need to win both games to keep their chances of advancing alive. Guildford have scored and conceded 27 goals, while Coventry have scored 19 and conceded 25. Coventry have lost all three of their Cup games on the road.
Cardiff Devils host Group A leaders Sheffield Steelers at the Vindico Arena. Cardiff are third with eight points from seven games, four behind Sheffield and Nottingham Panthers, who share the lead on 12. Cardiff travel to Nottingham on Sunday, and two wins this weekend would take the Devils to 12 points. Sheffield have won six of eight games and scored 29 goals, conceding 20. A win would guarantee the Steelers a place in the Play-In game; results elsewhere could also send them into the semi-finals this weekend.