Neilson's side are now fourth in the Elite League table

Nottingham Panthers coach Corey Neilson wants his side to follow the model set by champions-in-waiting - and arch-rivals - Sheffield Steelers.

Much of the Steelers squad has been together for three years. After winning the play-offs last year, they are now within sight of the league title.

Neilson told BBC Radio Nottingham: "We made mistakes this year we wouldn't have made if we'd known each other.

"I want the continuity they've had at Sheffield over the last few years."

Panthers play Newcastle at the National Ice Centre on Saturday night and are 13 points behind Sheffield, with just nine games left in the league season.

Neilson added: "It's the season that could've been. Maybe we wouldn't have made these mistakes if we'd been together longer.

"A couple of extra points here and a couple of extra wins there, and maybe the season would've been a different story."

Panthers will once again be without the injured quartet of David Clarke, Danny Meyers, Matthew Myers and Dan Tessier.

Johan Molin had to pull out of Thursday's all-star game with a minor knee injury, but it is hoped he will be fit to face the Vipers on Saturday.

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