Fife await Sheffield in bid to stay in title race

Fife Flyers coach Todd Dutiaume is determined to use home advantage tonight to maintain pressure on Elite League leaders Belfast Giants.

Three straight wins have taken the Kirkcaldy outfit to 26 points – four adrift of the Northern Irish side who have won their last seven games.

Dutiaume believes his team is formidable but stressed that they must work hard to overcome a Sheffield Steelers team which has made its way up the division since the introduction of a new coach.

Kirkcaldy has become a really tough place for teams to visit with Fife having won eight of their 12 home games so far.

Sheffield have, before last night’s 5-4 win away at Glasgow Clan, won only three and lost seven of their road trips, giving Flyers some hope.

Dutiaume said: “We note the statistics but we are focusing on the game.

“My assistant Jeff Hutchins and I do, however, acknowledge that Sheffield are a side who can hurt us.”

They whipped Dundee Stars 6-1 on Tayside last Sunday, a result which prompted coach Omar Pacha to voice his disappointment and frustration at his team.

This will be the third meeting between the sides this season.

Fife lost 4-3 after overtime in Yorkshire in September but gained revenge when they won 3-1 at The House of Steel a month later.

Dutiaume’s men also hold a 4-1 win over Steelers from their only visit to Kirkcaldy in early October.

Elsewhere tonight secondplaced Nottingham Panthers are away to Cardiff Devils, Braehead Clan play host to MK Lighting and Manchester Storm await the visit of Guildford Flames.

Tomorrow Guildford host Storm while Coventry make the trip to take on MK Lightning.

Fife coach Todd Dutiaume.