Does Murphy have the upper hand?

Continuing elite hockey today's coverage of the build up to next week's Olympic qualification tournament, here's an update on the Team GB goalie battle between Stevie Lyle and Stephen Murphy.

Belfast goalie Lyle might have lost his chance at being the starter after conceding five goals on 24 shots on Saturday as the G-men crashed 6-3 at home against Hull.

Phoenix netminder Murphy allowed the same amount of goals in a 5-4 defeat to the Panthers. However, considering the relative strength of the opposition, looking at the league table, Saturday's results could give Murphy one hand on the starting job.

With the Giants out of action tonight, a good outing from Murphy at the Altrincham Ice Dome, where the Phoenix host the Devils, could help him lock down the position.

At this point, it's fair to say that head coach Paul Thompson is no wiser about who should start, unless he's secretly made up his mind already.

Maybe Murphy will make his decision much easier tonight.