Erik Hjalmarsson has netted 13 times for Blaze since joining in January

Coventry Blaze finished runners up in the Elite league despite losing 3-2 to Newcastle Vipers, the team they now face in the play-offs.

Erik Hjalmarsson scored twice but Blaze could not repeat Saturday's 5-4 win over Belfast Giants.

Sunday's defeat on Tyneside mattered little in the end with third-placed Nottingham Panthers losing at 3-0 at Cardiff Devils.

The two-legged quarter-final takes place at the weekend.

In the other ties, champions Sheffield Steelers face Edinburgh Capitals, Panthers take on Manchester Phoenix while Giants have been paired with the Devils.

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