The Belfast Giants have closed a gap with big two wins over the Sheffield Steelers, two more over the Nottingham Panthers and one over Fife as well as a recent 2-1 victory over Guildford.

Image source, BBC Sport

If the Flames needed a boost in confidence (which I'm sure they don't) then they've won three of the four meetings in the Elite League this season and four of six overall counting the two legged Challenge Cup semi-final.

But it was a 4-0 loss at home to the Giants in the first leg that cost the Flames a chance of reaching the final.

Speaking of which the Giants will find out their opponents for the Challenge Cup Final tonight with Sheffield taking on Fife and looking to overturn a 3-2 first leg deficit.

Image source, BBC Sport

Here are the Elite League standings going into tonight's action. A win for Guildford, with two games in hand and only one more game left with the Giants, could be crucial but what would a Giants win do to the psychology of the title race? They are the defending champions and have been there and done that and walked away with the trophy.

Image source, BBC Sport

It doesn't get much bigger than this.

After beating the Nottingham Panthers 2-0 last night the Belfast Giants moved level on points with the Guildford Flames at the top of the Elite League.

Now they meet with the winners taking first place on their own.

Tonight's starting line-ups...

Guildford Flames

G Eamon McAdam D Mike Crocock D Ben O'Connor RW Ryan Tait C Brett Ferguson LW Daniel Tedesco

Belfast Giants

G Tyler Beskorowany D Gabe Bast D Sam Ruopp RW Steve Owre C Scott Conway LW David Goodwin

Image source, BBC Sport