Picture by Richard Wiseman

With the playoff weekend just around the corner, every point counts — and this weekend’s fixtures showed exactly how close the race is. Two exciting matchups — one in Group A and one in Group B — kept fans on the edge of their seats as teams battled for their place in the semi-finals.

Group A: Dundee Rockets v Paisley Pirates

Saturday night saw the Dundee Rockets play their final group stage game, having already secured a place in the Playoff Semi-Finals. But with Paisley Pirates still in contention, there was plenty at stake — and the game didn’t disappoint.

The Rockets got off to a strong start, opening the scoring at 4:48 with a goal from Ross Paul. Just under two minutes into the second period, Gary Parker brought the Pirates level. The Rockets hit back through Ben Brown, but a power play goal from Fraser Kerr turned the momentum in Paisley’s favour.

The Pirates struck twice more before the period was out, heading into the third with a two-goal lead. The Rockets made a goaltender switch, bringing in Dale Shearer to replace Euan Simpson.

In the final period, the Rockets regrouped. Goals from Rio Page and a second of the night from Ben Brown pulled things back to 4-4. With the score still tied at full-time, the game headed to overtime — and it was Lewis McIntosh who stepped up to seal it for Dundee, scoring less than two minutes into OT.

The win gives the Rockets an unbeaten finish in the group, while the single point picked up by the Pirates could prove important — especially with a double-header against Aberdeen Lynx coming up next weekend.

Group B: Kirkcaldy Kestrels v Edinburgh Capitals

Sunday brought another high-energy matchup as the Kirkcaldy Kestrels hosted the Edinburgh Capitals in the return leg of their group stage battle. The Capitals had taken the first meeting with a 3-0 win, but this time, the Kestrels had other ideas.

Edinburgh were first on the board, with Chad Smith scoring on the power play. The Kestrels answered quickly with a goal from Joe Sommerville, but two more goals from Joe Lynch gave the Capitals a 3-1 lead at the end of the first period.

Somerville struck again early in the second to reduce the deficit, but Smith responded with his second of the night. Then momentum shifted. The Kestrels hit three in quick succession, forcing a netminder change for the Capitals, with Craig Chalmers stepping in for Ciaran Hoggan.

The Kestrels began the third period with a one-goal advantage, and Scott Jamieson added another to widen the gap. Rihards Grigors kept the Capitals in the fight, but it was George Pitcaithly who sealed the deal with a last-minute goal, giving the Kestrels a 7-5 win and a valuable 2 points.

With both teams now sitting on 4 points, their final group games against North Ayrshire Wild next weekend will decide who advances.

Don’t Miss Playoff Weekend!

The Scottish National League Playoff Weekend is happening on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th April at Dundee Ice Arena:

• Semi-Finals – Saturday

• Final – Sunday

No matter who you’re backing, it promises to be a brilliant weekend of hockey. Tickets are on sale now — don’t miss out!