SNL preview: Lynx and Pirates set for big clash, Kestrels bid to keep up the pressure

The top two teams in Scottish National League (SNL) table go head-to-head on Saturday in a game that could have a significant bearing on this season’s title race.

Aberdeen Lynx currently hold a three-point lead over Paisley Pirates, and a victory this weekend would boost their chances of claiming top spot at the end of the campaign.

Lynx have been in fine form since the SNL season resumed, rattling off three straight victories over Dundee Tigers, North Ayrshire Wild and Kilmarnock Thunder.

Having already lost twice this term the Pirates can ill-afford another slip-up, setting up what should be a classic encounter at Linx Ice Arena.

They ran out 5-3 winners on home ice against Lynx earlier in the season and will be keen to complete the double over their title rivals this weekend.

Third-placed Kirkcaldy Kestrels are also in action on Saturday as they travel to Northern Ireland to face Belfast SNL Giants.

The Kestrels ran out 9-2 winners against the Giants on home ice last weekend but may find things much tougher in the reverse fixture.

The remaining SNL fixture is on Sunday, as Dundee Tigers bid to snap their five-game losing streak at home to Kilmarnock.

Dundee Comets have a big weekend ahead of them as they strive to claim their first silverware this season in the final of the NIHL Moralee Cup.

The Comets welcome Widnes Wild to Dundee Ice Arena on Saturday before travelling south for the second leg the following day.

Please click here to read our preview of the final and find out what Comets’ forward John Dolan has to say about the cross-border clash.

WEEKEND FIXTURES

Saturday

Aberdeen Lynx v Paisley Pirates – SNL
Belfast SNL Giants v Kirkcaldy Kestrels – SNL
Dundee Comets v Widnes Wild – NIHL Moralee Cup

Sunday

Dundee Tigers v Kilmarnock Thunder – SNL
Widnes Wild v Dundee Comets – NIHL Moralee Cup

(Image permission: Al Goold Photo)