Steelers and Devils clash but Simon says it is not pivotal

The Steelers lie third in the table, four points behind but with a game in hand on the current leaders, who arrive at the Motorpoint Arena boasting a staggering 20-game winning streak.

The Devils hold the upper-hand in the series between the two sides so far this season, narrowly winning both games in Cardiff after losing 5-1 in South Yorkshire on the opening night of the season.

The home side go into the game on the back of a seven-game winning run of their own in what will be the first meeting between the two organisations since Devils owner Paul Ragan took control of the Steelers last month.

And while there will be plenty riding on tonight's fixture, more importance is likely to be attached to the double-header between the two on the weekend of February 19-20.

"I think my players have dealt with pressure all year long, so this game won't be a problem for them," said Simon.

"They've dealt with all kinds of issues this season; they've gone to hell and back and have responded well. This is a big game but if we lose it's not the end of the season, and by the same token if we win, it doesn't mean we're going to win the title.

"We're going to have to limit our turnovers, limit our mistakes and capitalise on their turnovers and mistakes.

"We're evenly matched in certain aspects, but I seriously believe it will be the case that whoever makes the fewest mistakes on the night will win – we are both more than capable of getting the right result."

Former Steelers' favourite Ryan Finnerty – now captain of the Devils – says his team head to Sheffield in unsurprisingly confident mood and is keen to see how the rivals match up with both likely to field almost full-strength rosters.

"Hopefully, both teams will be at full strength and we can have a real head-to-head clash to see where we're really at," said Finnerty, who won a league title and two play-off trophies during his two-and-a-half seasons with the Steelers. "It's going to be tough. They're difficult to beat in their rink and are healthy now. It's not life or death, but it will be two huge points for whoever wins."

Hull STINGRAYS will continue their push for the top six tonight when they welcome Dundee Stars to Hull Arena.

Player-coach Sylvain Cloutier will be keen for his team to cut the gap on sixth-placed Braehead Clan to four points against a Dundee side who have slipped out of the play-off places following five straight defeats.

"We've found it tough against Dundee this season and although they're on a bad run, they've got a good team there," said Cloutier.