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.
