See you in the final then....

[hitchy]

Off THF

IMPORTANT

The Challenge Cup semis are not as listed at the top of this thread!

The software on the Elite League website has the incorrect criteria programmed into it.

Blaze finish top of their group because they won the most games in regulation time.

They will play Nottingham in the semis. The other semi will be between Cardiff and Sheffield.

Blaze will be hosting Nottingham on 18 December. Full confirmation tomorrow.

[Deleted]

What the smeg.......................

[Shorty]

Confirmed on BBC Radio Sheffield tonight.

Also their new signing will be here next weekend........

[gazzathedevil]

We really really want revenge on the steelers for the two semis they beat us in, cant wait for it

[Helen B]

Then why does the Challange Cup Table say that we top the group with 3 wins 2 in OT and 1 loss and Coventry are 2nd with 2 Wins, 1 draw and 1 OT Loss. In my book that sees us as winners and Panthers in the Semi's.

I would like some official clarification since we have MORE wins than Coventry. So Panther fans don't get your hopes up yet

[twix]

Apparently there is a fault with the EIHL site table formula. The selection should be:

Points
Regulation wins
All wins
... Various other criteria that I can't remember right now
...

[Teadrinker]

That's why the poster on THF made the post!

The table on the Elite League is (or was yesterday) wrong. Blaze are confirmed as top of their group because they won more games in regulation time.

This has been confirmed by Andy French, League Rulemeister.

[Helen B]

Thats stupid. It should be all wins then regualtion wins. then GD then results between teams.
That is punishing the team that won the most games. Why should we come second we won more matches therefore we top the group. Talk about not giving reward for the better record.

[brentford]

I don't doubt French is right on this occasion, first time for everything, and a quick response too fantastic.

[twix]

I think the reasoning goes something like:

Technically the 'game' lasts for 60 minutes. The OT period is a chance for a team to get another point but technically it doesn't mean you've won the 'game'.
Therefore Coventry won more 'games' than you.

Personally I think it's fair. Sure something similar happened to us not long ago and it made sense then as well!

twix

[Helen B]

ok 5 mins extra to get the extra point if you do you do win the game. There is no technically about it you have won the game.
The ruling is stupid. The rules are if you win you win, if you win in OT its still a win steelers won 3 cov won 2. I could be on my soap box all day about it. But It just means we get a tastier final. IMO we won the group and the rules are bags of.......... insert word there.

[twix]

Fair enough. Guess we'll agree to differ . FYI the full criteria as announced here by the EIHL in August 2003 are:

The following order of priority will determine the relevant position of teams in any EIHL Competition league or group:-

1. Total number of points, then if still equal,

2. Total number of games won in regulation time, then if still equal,

3. Total number of games won in regulation and overtime, then if still equal,

4. The goal difference (i.e. goals for, minus goals against), then if still equal,

5. Total goals for, then if still equal,

6. The results of games played between the relevant teams by applying 1 to 5 above in that order of priority, then if still equal,

7. Fewest losses, then if still equal,

8. Using away games, by applying 1 to 5 above in that order of priority, then if still equal,

9. In the unlikely event of teams still being equal, ranking will be decided by the drawing of lots. Any prize monies determined, by the position in a league or group, by this means will be shared equally between the tying teams.

10. Where a group of more than two teams is tied, then whenever a team can be eliminated due to the above order of priority, it shall be, by applying each of the above stages in the order of such priority.

[Helen B]

Thanks I forget what the rules are cos they change them so often usually.

Still think its stupid

[MP]

A win in regulation time should rank higher than a win in overtime. Winning in o/t is to have a second bite at the cherry - and o/t is something of a lottery being sudden death. In effect you get a bonus point for winning a 5 minute 4 on 4 game.

Should we have o/t at all in league games? Why not leave games as draws if that is how they finish? Perhaps the American obsession about always having a winner

[Igor]

MP said:

A win in regulation time should rank higher than a win in overtime.

Yes, if the number of wins is equal, then RT wins should take precedence over OT wins.

However, in this situation, Sheffield finish behind Coventry despite being level on points, with superior goal difference, and 3 wins to their 2...

Not that it'll make any difference, if we are going to win the Challenge Cup then we have to beat the best teams that are put in front of us... whether it be in the semifinal or in the final.

[Warren]

To be honest I don't mind who Panthers play. I fancy the chances agins't either side in either the Semi's or in the Final.

Personal opinion is that we will be faceing Cardiff in the Final.

[thunder2]

Warren against Cardiff in the final was exactly what my other half and I said over dinner tonight.

[123]

Warren said:

Personal opinion is that we will be faceing Cardiff in the Final.

Personal opinion for me is the final will be Sheffield v Coventry.

I love how everyone (outside Cardiff and Coventry) just assumes Nottingham and Sheffield will win their semi's, despite their opponents both being above them in the league...

[heja]

but who knows if we had played 5 more games we could be above every one else.

and sheffield always seem to be there.

but i don't think we will be able to beat coventry away so it will be damage limitation

[Heanor Lair]

Shorty said:

Confirmed on BBC Radio Sheffield .

Aahh that well informed radio station gets it wrong again

HL

[Shaggy]

123 said:

Personal opinion for me is the final will be Sheffield v Coventry.

I love how everyone (outside Cardiff and Coventry) just assumes Nottingham and Sheffield will win their semi's, despite their opponents both being above them in the league...

Who's assuming?
People are expressing their hopes and opinions.... just as you have done - which is fair enough, yes?
Hang about.... haven't YOU just expressed your opinion that Sheffield (below their semifinal opponents in the league) will get through to the final?
So...... by your own logic, are you not guilty of making such assumptions as well?

Personally, I hope it will be a Nottingham/Cardiff final.

[Warren]

123 said:

Personal opinion for me is the final will be Sheffield v Coventry.

I love how everyone (outside Cardiff and Coventry) just assumes Nottingham and Sheffield will win their semi's, despite their opponents both being above them in the league...

Strange... I am sure I haven't asuemd that Sheffield will be in the final!

As Shaggy say's it is my Personal Opninion. The fact that all of the other 3 teams are above us in the league is by the by. If I am not mistaken, All teams have been beaten by teams which are deemed as lesser opposition. If they haven't then how come Bison (Bottom of the table) have got 5 wins. Surely they have beaten a team above them in the table.

On Form in the CC it should be a Blaze cardiff final, but on Form we should have Won both games in Scotland.

Strange that form is not an exact rule. and that teams will have the greater desire.