Ice hockey – Capitals hit play-off skids as Stars slip into play-off slot

Elite League: Edinburgh Capitals 1, Dundee Stars 5. Challenge Cup Final: Cardiff Devils 3, Sheffield Steelers 2

MIKAEL Lidhammar claimed a glory double as Dundee Stars last night whipped play-off rivals Edinburgh Capitals.

The 5-1 scoreline at Murrayfield means Stars move into the top eight, which guarantees a play-off slot, at a critical time.

Stars, who beat Fife Flyers on Saturday night, have 40 points from 46 games while Manchester Storm slip to ninth spot with 39 points from the same number of fixtures but they are on a horrendous six-game losing streak.

Capitals have 34 points from 46 games and Stars stamped their authority on last night’s game early on.

They rammed home three goals in the first 18 minutes with Lidhammar opening the scoring after 11 minutes on the power play and Vinny Scarsella providing the assist.

Joey Sides claimed No 2 six minutes later with Kevin Bruijsten and Cale Tenaka involved in the build-up.

And Scarsella made it 3-0 less than a minute later after good work from Brett Switzer and Felix-Antoine Poulin.

Worse was to come for the home side as a second power play strike from Lidhammar hit the back of their net after 28 minutes.

And 52 seconds from the second break Kevin Hart scored short-handed for the fifth.

Taylor MacDougall was set-up by Jacob Johnston and Michael D’Orazio for Capitals consolation and his 17th goal of the season with less than four minutes left but this result means their play-off chances have been dealt a significant blow.