Ice hockey: Capitals can expect no little favours from Belfast Giants

DOUG CHRISTIANSEN sympathises with the plight of his old club Edinburgh Capitals but insists his new job is to deliver the Elite League title for Belfast Giants.

Last season's play-off champions are in the middle of a fight with Sheffield Steelers and Cardiff Devils for the coveted crown and it is now down to the wire.

It's one of the most exciting battles in recent seasons and Christiansen, who led Capitals to the play-offs last season before being headhunted by the ambitious Giants, is determined to deliver in his first season at The Odyssey.

Giants have, so far, been one of only a handful of teams who have been beaten by rock-bottom Capitals who have recorded only six wins this season in 49 games. That was a 5-4 overtime victory on the Irish side's first visit to Murrayfield.

It's a tough current schedule for Belfast who were at Nottingham Panthers for the first-leg of the Challenge Cup Final on Tuesday, at Sheffield for a league clash on Wednesday before entertaining the Scots tonight.

However, the giant American, who enjoyed his three years at Murrayfield, has a quality group of players.

He said: "We've been playing with three lines recently and we've been able to wear teams down. Momentum is key.

"Nobody else has the chance to win three titles this season and it is a tough schedule, but I bet the other teams would like to be in our position.

"This is the business end of the season and two points against Edinburgh is the same as two points against Sheffield or Nottingham or Dundee.

"There is nothing we can do about Edinburgh's situation but there is a lot we can do about ours. The aim tonight is to get two points. My guys have battled really hard to get where we are and we're on the final leg of this. The end is in sight and we're going for it."

Belfast's chase for the title stalled around Christmas but the star-studded team is back on track. Capitals can, therefore, expect no favours and it could be defeat No.?26 in a row come 10.00pm tonight.

Defeat would, of course, be a downer for Capitals going into tomorrow's league clash at Dundee CCS Stars (7.00pm).

The Tayside team have a huge incentive as victory would guarantee a play-off place at the first time of asking. Sunday's narrow win over reigning league champions Coventry Blaze takes them to 33 points, seven clear of Newcastle Vipers.

Meanwhile, Sunday sees seventh-placed Hull Stingrays visit the Riversdale rink (6.00pm).