IT'S crunch time for Nottingham Panthers tonight in a top-of-the table clash that could well determine the destination of the Elite League Championship trophy.

Lose against league leaders Coventry at the National Ice Centre (7pm) and the play-offs will be a more realistic target.

Beat the Blaze – who have struggled to get their game together at the NIC – and the treble is still on for the new Challenge Cup holders.

At this time of the season, though, with the transfer deadline gone and no more incoming imports, injuries will unfortunately often play a part.

Coventry have just got star forward Adam Calder back from a serious injury, but now have major doubts over defenceman Jason Robinson.

Last weekend, Panthers had to rest No.1 goalie Kevin St Pierre against Hull, while captain Danny Meyers played only fleetingly.

The outcome of tonight's game will invariably go a long way to shaping their season. So, if either of the Panthers pair are unable to play, it could spell doom for their title hopes.

At least if St Pierre is out, they would be able to bring in American Nick Toneys – as they did against Hull – which would help to ease the burden on the defence, with or without Meyers.

But, as they showed last week in winning 7-6 on Humberside, coach Corey Neilson might have to go into 'Kevin Keegan mode' in a bid to maintain their interest in any more trophies.

Football aficionados might remember the erstwhile Newcastle United manager, whose mantra was simple: "Don't worry about defence, just score more goals than the opposition."

Panthers have the firepower and at least the fans would be happy, even though their fingernails would be bitten down to the quick.

The game on Humberside was the first this season for long-time back-up Geoff Woolhouse, 25, who returned to train with Panthers after being released by English Premier side Swindon in January.

Some people have said his inclusion was unfair on regualr back-up Mark Hartley, who has been used sparingly this season only when games have been won.

But, bearing in mind Hartley is only 20 next month and this is first season in the seniors, it would perhaps be unwise to throw him into games that can have a major bearing on Panthers' trophy chances.

One bad mistake could ruin a potential career in the game.

Although Woolhouse would want a couple of those six Hull goals back, he has been there before – seven seasons before to be precise – and knows what the game is all about at this level. But let's not contemplate injury setbacks before they may happen.

Panthers are giving 1,000 free tickets for their home game with Edinburgh on Wednesday to members of the Armed Forces.

They did the same a few weeks ago and it proved to be very successful.

Panthers general manager Gary Moran said: "Our men and women are doing a great job for us in Afghanistan and elsewhere.

"This gesture is the least we can do to show them our support."

mick.holland@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk