Ice hockey – defiant Johnston still hopes for play-off slot

Up-beat Jacob Johnston refuses to believe that Sunday’s home defeat at the hands of Dundee Stars ended Edinburgh Capitals’ play-off hopes.

The defenceman still believes the Elite League bottom club, who have 34 points, can qualify in the top eight.

They trail second-bottom Manchester Storm by five points and Dundee Stars, who occupy the eighth and final play-off spot, by six points.

Johnston, who has scored 13 goals and recorded 27 assists for Capitals this season, said: “We all believe that we can still make play-offs.”

All three clubs have played 46 games and Capitals travel to Manchester Storm on Saturday for a key basement clash.

Johnston, who is in his second season at Murrayfield, added: “We know it won’t be easy, but it’s possible.

“We have to string together some wins throughout our remaining six games and hope for other results to go our way.”