Hockey: Capital look to extend winning ways

Ryan Archibald. Photo / Deal Purcell

Defending champions Capital can go a long way to booking themselves a repeat shot at the NHL title with victories in this weekend's third- and fourth-round action.

Clear leaders with a two-from-two start and eight points, the Wellingtonians now have the advantage of playing the rest of the tournament at home.

In today's third round they meet hapless Northland - thrashed by Auckland and North Harbour in their first two games. Given his sparkling goalscoring form in the opening two rounds, Black Stick Stephen Jenness will be looking for more of the same today as he seeks to add to his five-goal haul.

Tomorrow's game against Midlands promises to be a tougher test for the hosts.

Midlands drew with North Harbour in the opening round but then lost the penalty shootout. Against Auckland, the Darren Smith-coached Midlanders again drew but then picked up the bonus point to end the weekend with three points.

North Harbour are two points back in second place. They defeated Midlands in a shootout after drawing 2-2, and followed up with an 8-1 romp over Northland. North Harbour face a tester against Canterbury today and a potential top-four decider with Auckland tomorrow.

Auckland, bolstered in having Ryan Archibald and Phil Burrows in their ranks, opened their campaign with a 9-0 win over Northland before drawing 3-3 with Midlands and then losing the shootout.

Defending women's champions North Harbour face a test tomorrow when they meet Auckland in a game crucial to both team's top four hopes.

While Central and Canterbury took maximum points from the opening weekend, Auckland and North Harbour were among four teams who collected a win and a loss.

Midlands, one of those teams on four points, face Central today while Auckland meet Canterbury. In what promises to be the match of the round tomorrow, Central square-off against Northland.

National hockey league
National Hockey Centre, Wellington

Today-Thursday (no play Tuesday): Pool play continues.

August 13: Semifinals, play-offs.

August 14: Finals, play-offs