Belfast Giants coach Dave Whistle believes his side are well placed to win the end-of-season Superleague play-offs.

The Giants finished the regulation Superleague season with a nine-game unbeaten run but lost out on the title to Sheffield Steelers by just one point.

Whistle admitted an inconsistent first half of the season had cost them the chance of becoming the first team to successfully defend the title.

The Giants coach has now set his sights on leading the Belfast side into the final four of the play-offs for the first time.

Belfast begin their play-off campaign against London Knights, beaten finalists two years ago, at the Docklands Arena on Wednesday night.

Whistle said: "The way we are playing right now we are going to be a hard team to beat.

'Brand new season'

"The players were a little disheartened and a few heads were down after missing out on the title, but everyone will begin the play-offs positively."

Whistle has also refused to write off Bracknell Bees in the play-offs, despite his former club winning just five of their 32 league games.

"It's a brand new season for every team and every team start off as equals.

"Anyone can win it," said Whistle, who led Bracknell to the title in 2000.

"Bracknell are going to be strong as they have players playing for their jobs next season or for jobs on another team.

"It is going to be exciting and that is great for the league."