FRIDAY starts the weekend which could make or break one teams season. The Cardiff Devils take on the Sheffield Steelers in two crucial games including the Challenge Cup Final.

The two sides are currently separated by just a singular point in the league meaning that if the Devils win, they will overtake the Steelers and climb into first place.

However, if the Steelers win they will extend their lead to three points at the of the table.

The two sides have clashed four time already with the Devils taking 3 wins compared to the Steelers one. The Steelers did however manage to win the last meeting 5-4 which also happened to be at the Viola Arena.

Special teams could play a big factor in the game on Friday with both teams averaging just over 80% success on the penalty kill. The deciding number could come from the Devils power play with them enjoying 28.49% of them compared to the Steelers, 23.12%.

Key Players

Cardiff Devils: Joey Haddad

Sheffield Steelers: Brendan Connolly

Both players are in a battle with Sam Herr for the top points in the league. Both players have amassed 54 points with Joey Haddad having played two less games. Both Players need to gain 5 points on Sam Herr, so expect outstanding performances from these two.

On Sunday comes the Challenge Cup final and it eliminates form and adds even more tension.

In a one-off game the situations change, different players step up and both teams have born winners on their side to hopefully carry their team over the line.

The Devils have reached the final on four out of the last five times, winning it two times. Steelers on the hand have reached the final twice but lost it both times to the Devils.

The last time the Steelers one the Challenge Cup was back in 2003 compared to the more recent win of the Devils in 2017.

Key Players

Cardiff Devils: Joey Martin

Sheffield Steelers: Marc-Olivier Vallerand

Big games require big players and there a few bigger than these two.