After the busy Christmas and New Year schedule it's a huge Friday night ahead in the Elite Ice Hockey League.

Here at the SSE Arena the Belfast Giants host Sheffield Steelers in a game that could have a big impact on the title race this season.

The Giants are just two points off leaders Cardiff and have two games in hand.

Sheffield, who also have a pair of games to make up on the Devils, are eight points off the pace.

Belfast shut the Steelers out when the teams met before Christmas, but it was Sheffield who won the two previous meetings in Yorkshire.

Both sides are riding three game winning streaks over the past week. The Giants have only lost twice in their last twelve games, both in Glasgow while after a period of indifferent form the Steelers seem to have steadied the ship.

The Giants could end the night top if Cardiff lose at hone to Dundee.

Image source, BBC Sport