EIHL Playoffs Second Legs Set for Drama as Four Series Remain Tied or Within a Goal

The Elite Ice Hockey League’s Quarter-Final second legs are set for a dramatic conclusion on Sunday, as four series remain within a goal heading into the decisive games. With three series tied and one separated by a single goal, the EIHL playoffs are shaping up to be one of the most tightly contested in recent memory.

The day kicks off at 4pm with the defending champions, Nottingham Panthers, hosting the Manchester Storm in a rematch of one of the closest first legs in playoff history. The Panthers trail 2-1 after the opening game in Manchester and now face their archrivals on home ice. The last four meetings between these teams have been decided by a single goal, but Manchester has yet to beat the Panthers in Nottingham this season outside of a Challenge Cup match in October.

At the same time, the Sheffield Steelers will look to end a frustrating home drought against the Guildford Flames. The first leg ended 1-1, meaning the Flames must win at the Utilita Arena to advance. Guildford has not won in Sheffield since December 2023, a span of 16 games, making this a crucial challenge for the Flames’ playoff hopes.

Later at 5pm, the Cardiff Devils return home with a 2-1 lead over the Coventry Blaze. The Devils have won four in a row while the Blaze have lost four straight, and the series is another in a long line of tight contests between the two sides. Four of the last five meetings have been decided by a single goal, and the Devils are looking to make it five out of five.

The final showdown at 7pm features the Belfast Giants and Glasgow Clan, with the Giants holding a 1-0 aggregate lead after a last-second winner in Belfast. Glasgow’s last outright win over Belfast without overtime or a shootout came in March 2025, making this a tough task for the Clan.

If any series is tied after 120 minutes of play, the games will move to a five-minute sudden-death overtime period. If still tied, the EIHL will use its standard best-of-five shootout format, with a sudden-death shootout to follow if needed.

All eyes will be on the rinks across the UK as the EIHL playoffs enter their most decisive phase yet.