Glasgow Clan and Manchester Storm Shock Playoff Favorites

The Elite League is gearing up for its Playoff Finals Weekend, but not without significant upsets. Neither the Belfast Giants, who clinched the domestic double, nor the Nottingham Panthers will be advancing, having been eliminated in the playoff quarter-finals.

The Manchester Storm ignited the surprises, overcoming the Panthers in a tense 5-4 aggregate victory following a shootout. Shortly after, the Glasgow Clan mirrored the feat, overturning a first-leg deficit to defeat the Belfast Giants on penalties.

In other matchups, the Cardiff Devils secured their progression against the Coventry Blaze, while the Sheffield Steelers advanced past the Guildford Flames.

This report provides a summary of post-game media remarks from each team.

Glasgow Clan vs. Belfast Giants (3-2 on aggregate after shootout)

Glasgow Clan Coach Mike Sirant expressed gratitude to the fans: "These fans are the main reason why we were successful tonight. The energy they brought to the rink was incredible, and our players just feed off that. I’m so proud of our players. It can go either way in a shootout, and I’m really proud that we were able to do it. We’re going to Nottingham with a lot of confidence and we’re proud to be representing the Clan in the final four."

Belfast Giants Coach Adam Keefe acknowledged the tight nature of the games: "They were two very tight games. You could tell that the Clan really wanted it. We weren’t very good for the first 30 minutes of each game, and ultimately, we didn’t create enough to get it done. When you go down to the shootout, it’s a flip of the coin."

Cardiff Devils vs. Coventry Blaze (6-2 on aggregate)

Cardiff Devils Coach Paul Thompson lauded the atmosphere and his team's performance: "I want to thank the fans. There’s pressure on all of us, but I’m glad that we’re there and that our fans can go down to Nottingham with good anticipation. The players should take a lot of praise for their effort and commitment. I’m delighted and we go into the weekend with a good feeling."

Coventry Blaze Coach Kevin Moore commented on the opposition's strength: "A lot of credit goes to Cardiff and how tight they were in their structure. We made too many mental mistakes over the course of the two games, and it cost us tonight. Their defensive structure was the difference."

Nottingham Panthers vs. Manchester Storm (5-6 on aggregate after shootout)

Nottingham Panthers Coach Danny Stewart expressed his disappointment: "I’m just gutted for the guys. They left it all out there. I want to give Manchester credit: they worked their bags off, won the second pucks, and they’re worthy winners. That’s not to say that our guys aren’t worthy, but that’s the cruelty of sport. I’m proud of the group, but gutted for them."

Manchester Storm Coach Cam Critchlow described the emotional victory: "It’s tough to find the words right now; what a rollercoaster of emotions that game was. What can you say about Drew DeRidder? He stopped every shot in the shootout and was lights out the entire season. This means a lot for our group. We didn’t just come to get into the final four weekend; we want to be in the mix."

Sheffield Steelers vs. Guildford Flames (6-2 on aggregate)

Sheffield Steelers Coach Aaron Fox highlighted his team's relentless effort: "It was a big weekend for us. We were relentless all weekend. We got pucks deep and forced them to play a 200-foot game. We did all the little things that you need to do."

Guildford Flames Coach Paul Dixon conceded defeat to a superior opponent: "It was tough for us, but the best team won. It’s disappointing. Sheffield were just on it today. Sometimes, you have to come on here and say it how it is: we were beaten by the better team."