Week 1 of the Planet Ice NIHL National Division playoffs threw up plenty of excitement, with the top three from the regular season claiming maximum points.

In Group A, NIHL National Cup winners and league champions Leeds Knights picked up four points against Telford Tigers, despite being taken to overtime on Saturday evening.

The Knights won 9-2 on home ice on Sunday, meaning they sit top of their group standings after the first set of round-robin fixtures.

Hull Seahawks and defending playoff champions Peterborough Phantoms won one apiece in their double-header, with both games going the way of the home team in regulation time.

Group B saw maximum points for MK Lightning and Swindon Wildcats.

As was the case with Leeds, Milton Keynes required overtime to get the job done at home to Romford Raiders before winning 7-5 on the road the following night.

Sheffield Steeldogs are the only side who remain pointless after the opening weekend of the playoffs, losing 4-2 to the Wildcats on Saturday then 4-3 on Sunday.

The playoffs will continue over the next two weekends as the race for the Final Four intensifies.

A full list of fixtures/results for each group can be found here.

Results – NIHL National Division

Sat 29th Mar Hull Seahawks 3-2 Peterborough Phantoms PO
Sat 29th Mar Milton Keynes Lightning 8-7 (OT) Romford Raiders PO
Sat 29th Mar Swindon Wildcats 4-2 Sheffield Steeldogs PO
Sat 29th Mar Telford Tigers 3-4 (OT) Leeds Knights PO
Sun 30th Mar Leeds Knights 9-2 Telford Tigers PO
Sun 30th Mar Peterborough Phantoms 6-2 Hull Seahawks PO
Sun 30th Mar Sheffield Steeldogs 3-4 Swindon Wildcats PO
Sun 30th Mar Romford Raiders 5-7 Milton Keynes Lightning PO

Stay updated on all the latest fixtures and results from across the NIHL regional divisions, WNIHL and junior leagues.

Photo credit: Tony Sargent

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