Storhamar – Stavanger Oilers

Storhamar in the driving seat before the summit with the Oilers

When Storhamar hosts Stavanger Oilers at CC Amfi, everything is in place for another strong home performance from a team that has dominated the Elite Hockey League for some time now.

The match is played on a day with extra frames around the event, which has traditionally given Storhamar an extra boost. The Hamar crowd is known for creating pressure, and the home team has often delivered at its best when expectations are high.

The teams

The form figures are remarkable. Storhamar has 18 straight wins in the EHL, a streak that emphasizes both stability and breadth. The team has shown the ability to win games in various ways, either through patient control in close matches or by punishing opponents who give them space. Especially at home, Storhamar has proven very difficult to break down.

Stavanger Oilers come to Hamar with somewhat more variable form. After a period of five straight wins, the Western Norwegians have recently lost to both Vålerenga and Sparta. In both games, the Oilers were punished for defensive mistakes and lack of control in key periods, which gives cause for concern before the meeting with the league's most stable team.

Mutually

Head-to-head history also points in Storhamar's favor. Since September 2023, Storhamar has only lost one game against the Oilers, and that loss came early in a season when the Hamar team was still finding their rhythm. Since then, Storhamar has had a clear advantage in the matches, even though the last two matches have gone to overtime and penalties.

The damage situation

Storhamar will have to do without Dahl, who is out with an injury. It weakens the squad somewhat, but the home team has shown throughout the season that they handle absences well without significantly compromising their structure. Austin Cangelosi was injured in the previous match, and it is unclear whether he is able to play, or in what condition. Considering his role offensively and in power play, any absence could be significant.

Rating

Everything points to a match where Storhamar seeks control, forces the Oilers to take risks and gradually wears down the opponent. With form, home advantage and history behind them, the starting point is clear. With today's conditions, a home win appears to be the most solid and natural choice in this top matchup, even without Dahl and Cangelosi.

I recommend the following games:

Ice hockey at 16:00: Storhamar – Stavanger Oilers: Storhamar to win (1.81)