Crucial time for Neilson and Panthers

COREY Neilson's exquisite performance to help his Nottingham Panthers side win the Challenge Cup was the perfect answer to those who believe he should hang up his skates.

The 33-year-old player-coach certainly led by example as his side won the trophy at the National Ice Centre in midweek after a thrilling final .

There have been calls that he should concentrate on coaching, but as he said, you're a long time retired.

And his near faultless display emphasised the tough decision he will have to make in the not-too-distant future.

But for now, there are more pressing matters to deal with this weekend as Panthers bid keep up their relentless chase for the league title.

After the cup triumph, Neilson immediately turned his mind to tomorrow's must-win clash with Elite League leaders Coventry Blaze at the NIC (7pm).

If they lose, only a major collapse by the Blaze in their remaining four games could let in Panthers or Belfast, who have played a game more.

If Panthers beat Coventry, they will still be two points adrift and must hope other teams also take points off Blaze.

Belfast play tonight when they host Cardiff and if they fail to win, and Coventry beat Panthers in regulation, Blaze will win the title if they beat Sheffield at home on Sunday.

But nothing other than victory tomorrow will be contemplated by Neilson, who admits each of their remaining five games is "do or die".

"It's a difficult weekend for us with Coventry and then Cardiff away on Sunday, but we're looking no further than tomorrow night," he said.

"We have to be single-minded, not worry about what other teams are doing and just focus on beating Coventry.

"The guys have had a great week with the cup final but we have to forget that now and have to get back to picking up points.

"All the games are do or die, that's for sure."

Just like Coventry, who look like being without big defenceman Jason Robinson (knee), Panthers also have some worrying injuries.

They are waiting for fitness tests on two key players but hope to be at full strength.

But should they lose to Coventry, and miss out on a league title for another year, it may be more advisable to rest players for the upcoming play-offs.

"We can't look too far ahead and we have to get Saturday out of the way first," Neilson said.

"We have no intention of losing against Coventry, but we will review the injury situation when that game is done.

"We are going into a tough part of the schedule . . . but we still have our eyes set on another two trophies.

"We are not done yet."