NOTTINGHAM Panthers' coach Corey Neilson today stressed how proud he was of his players despite their Elite League title hopes all but disappearing.

His side faces Edinburgh Capitals tonight in their final league game of the season at the National Ice Centre (7.30), before trips to Sheffield and Newcastle at the weekend.

And despite Sunday's defeat in Cardiff which virtually handed the title to Coventry, Neilson said they want to finish with a flourish ahead of the upcoming play-offs.

"It's been a long hard season but exciting, too, and I am really proud of these guys," he said.

"I've given them a hard time on occasions, had them running the stairs, skating non-stop, sitting down watching endless videos . . . but they've stuck with me.

"From a coaching perspective, I asked the players to buy into my system, to bring their skills, heart and brain every day.

"The skills and brain part has not always happened but, except for probably three times, we've been in with a shout in every game this season and that is testimony to the players, who were fully committed to me and the club.

"We want to finish first, of course, but that's out of our hands now unfortunately. Runners-up is next best and we will be going all out to win our last three games and then see what happens."

Panthers' crushing 8-3 home victory over champions-in-waiting Coventry last Saturday proved to be a false dawn as they then fell 3-0 to Cardiff 24-hours later.

But Neilson believes the series against strugglers Newcastle proved their undoing.

They lost three of their first five games against them before the new year, when the Vipers looked a side to be reckoned with and at one stage were at the top of the table.

Newcastle have struggled in the latter weeks of the season, slipping to next to bottom, but still managed to come up with a shock come-from-behind win at the NIC last month.

"The schedule had us playing Newcastle quite a lot when they were flying and doing well," said Neilson.

"Then the last time we played them here was a disaster. Those defeats proved to be the difference.

"But we were still in it and it was great to beat Coventry so well and set us up for Cardiff the next night, but nothing went right for us there.

"It was a weird night to be honest. The ice was absolutely awful and every time we got a bit of momentum going, the puck took a bobble or hit a skate.

"There were a ton of wet spots all over the ice and every time you found yourself with room to skate, or even a chance in front of goal, the puck was stuttering and stopping.

"For a skilled passing team like us, it was very frustrating and I must admit we lost our composure.

"Now though we are re-focused and looking at tonight's game with Edinburgh.

"They have been a hit-and-miss team this season. You never know what you are going to expect from one night to the next.

"The key to them doing well is the goalie (Cody Rudkowsky) and he is the real deal when he is on his game."

With Geoff Woolhouse doing well on his return to the club, Panthers will not risk No.1 goalie Kevin St Pierre, who has a groin strain, and hope a few games on the sidelines will ensure he is ready for the play-offs.

They also have to make a decision on captain Danny Meyers, who has been playing with a nagging foot injury and needs rest.

Tonight's game is not on the season ticket and seats will be available at the box office.

Panthers' leading scorer Jade Galbraith and centre Cameron Mann have been short-listed to pick up honours at the Elite League Awards night on April 2, at Nottingham's Belfry Hotel

Galbraith is one of three in line for the Fans' Favourite award, with Mann up for the Newcomer of the Year.

Neilson is also short-listed for Coach of the Year, along with Coventry's Paul Thompson and Doug Christiansen of Edinburgh.