Nottingham Panthers are aiming to open up the Elite League title chase over their next five fixtures.
Following tonight’s (Saturday) home clash with Manchester Storm, Panthers play four successive fixtures against the top two – leaders Cardiff Devils and second-placed Belfast Giants.
Devils have home advantage on Sunday (6pm) before Panthers travel to Northern Ireland for back-to-back matches against Giants, ending the sequence against Cardiff at home on Saturday, January 20.
Nottingham are sixth, 10 points behind Devils with two games in hand and coach Corey Neilson says after a three-game winning streak: “I’m happy right now.
“It’s all a little more positive. The players have always worked hard and credit to them for that.
“This is a really disciplined team in that respect, but yeah there are more smiles on faces.
“A little bit of that pressure is starting to evaporate, but there’s a recognition of the sense of urgency to do well. I’m happy right now.”
Devils, who play Guildford Flames away this evening, then travel home for to entertain Panthers at Ice Arena Wales in Cardiff Bay.
Neilson’s team will be greeted by a sell-out attendance at the IAW, although there are still some tickets left. They are likely to be snapped up before face-off tomorrow.
Panthers have scored 12 times in their last three games, a big improvement on their eight-goal tally over their previous eight fixtures.
Their number one line is top scorer Brett Perlini alongside Mark Derlago and Zack Phillips, while Jeff Brown has joined Raphael Bussieres and Alexander Tokshantsev.
Panthers’ then run with Evan Mosey/Robert Farmer/Robert Lachowicz plus David Clarke/Ollie Betteridge/Erik Lindhagen.
“I really like the look of Lacho, Farmer and Mosey,” says Neilson. “Mosey, with his speed, creates space for the other two guys.
“That line has been fun to watch. Then there’s the pure skill of the Perlini line, while Clarkey’s line is a real good energy line with Lindhagen and Ollie. I’ve really liked it.
“Browny has been a third and fourth line guy, but I’ve moved him up because I felt a lot of teams were taking liberties on Sasha (Mokshantsev). He’s accepted that role and had a lot of chances against Milton Keynes.”
Nottingham earned their place in the Challenge Cup semi-finals thanks to their two-leg win against Lightning, while Sheffield Steelers are also in the last four.
Trophy holders Devils set out to secure their place next Wednesday when, after a 3-3 first leg draw against Flames, they host the second leg in Cardiff Bay next Wednesday.
Devils or Flames play Steelers, while Panthers take on Belfast or Fife, who drew their first leg 3-3 in Scotland and meet again next Tuesday.
Coach Lord says: “We have a lot of confidence in this group. It all came together during a very important time.
“December was a really good month with a lot of games in a short period, there’s definitely a feel-good factor right now.”We are soaking in the way we are playing and it’s fun to be around the rink.”
Ticket info for the Cup quarter-final second leg match against Guildford at Ice Arena Wales on Wednesday, January 10 (7.30pm).
Seats for this game are included in season ticket packages. There is no need to do anything except show up with your season ticket.
Tickets can be purchased ONLINE HERE or be telephone on 0800 0842 666.
National League Cardiff Fire are at home against London Raiders this evening (Saturday). The Division One South match is at Ice Arena Wales (6.30pm).
Tickets are available on the door.