Both squads enter their Game Day 4 fixture with a 2-1 record as the Sheffield Steelers get set to host their second Swedish opponents in Skellefteå AIK. In their last tilt, Skellefteå downed the Lahti Pelicans 4-2 to re-enter the win column. Meanwhile, Sheffield have been on a roll, winning their previous two contests with their latest being a 5-1 thrashing of Czech challengers Sparta Prague.

Less is more, or at least, that was the strategy in Sheffield's win over Champions Hockey League veterans Sparta. In that game, the British had the lesser shot total 46-23, but managed to find the net four more times than their opponents. Sheffield have been finding ways to win and their offensive production, while low in the shot department, has been effective as they've scored three or more goals in all three games so far.

Going up against a middle-of-the-pack defence in Skellefteå, who are 13th in goals against per game with 2.67, could see the team from the U.K. come away with their third win of the campaign.

After giving up the lead to Lahti in the third period, the Swedes would go on to recover and score two to cement their second victory of the 2024/25 season. Taking leads is something Skellefteå have not had a problem with this year - in each of their three previous contests, the Swedish side has been the first to score. However, maintaing those leads is where this team has struggled. In their game against the Straubing Tigers, Skellefteå, despite taking a 2-0 advantage, would go on to lose in a shootout 3-2.

As they prepare for another tough opponent in Sheffield, the Swedish side would do well to find ways to solidify their defensive game when they've got the edge. They're able to score, but are they able to prevent another late-game collapse? This will be one to watch as action continues with Game Day 4 of the CHL.