Nottingham Panthers coach Corey Neilson has blasted his side following their 4-3 defeat to an under-strength Belfast Giants on Friday night.

Panthers led 3-1 with fifteen minutes to go but let Giants score three goals in seven minutes to win the game.

Neilson told BBC Radio Nottingham: "I thought my team were terrible. There was no speed or attack.

"We basically played scared and watched a good team play the puck around us. It was embarrassing."

Panthers never got going all match but were level after two periods as Mike Burgoyne and David Clarke traded goals.

The visitors went 3-1 ahead early in the third period thanks to powerplay goals from Johan Molin and Kevin Bergin.

But Panthers capitulated and Belfast scored three goals in seven minutes through David Phillips, Steve Thornton and Malcolm MacMillan.

Neilson added: "We just collapsed and just didn't commit to wanting the puck and they did. I'm disappointed."

Panthers were indebted to their netminder Michel Robinson for keeping them in the contest.

"The only shining performance was Michel Robinson and he was excellent. I was really impressed with his effort," Neilson said.

"He's making big saves and he did a great job for me."

The two sides meet again at the National Ice Centre on Sunday night (1700 GMT).

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