Neilson plays down Coventry blast

Neilson has led his side to third in the Elite League table

Nottingham Panthers player-coach Corey Neilson has played down comments from Coventry Blaze enforcer Carlyle Lewis calling him a "loser".

Neilson suggested last month that Coventry's recent domination of the sport was over - comments which enraged the Blaze camp.

Neilson told BBC Radio Nottingham: "I don't think I have to justify that with a response.

"We have a good chance to go in there on Sunday and do our thing."

Coventry coach Paul Thompson also criticised the Panthers and said: "I think we'll do our talking on the ice.

"I think our trophy cabinet shows that. The Panthers have their heads in the clouds so much - I hope they see our championship banners on their way down back to earth.

"The difference between us and Nottingham is that we respect that they have a good hockey club, but their ignorance is that they do not respect that we have one too."

Neilson responded: "I think Paul should've left his statement at 'he'll do his talking on the ice', as I know we will."

The two sides meet at the Skydome on Sunday night, but the Panthers are also in action on Saturday when Cardiff visit the National Ice Centre without import players Mike Prpich, Marc Fulton (injured) and Derek Campbell (suspended).

Neilson added: "Sometimes when teams come in short-staffed some people look at it that you might take them lightly.

"We never take teams lightly. An animal who is wounded is always the most dangerous."