Neilson back Panthers to respond to defeat in Edinburgh

Neilson's side have struggled for consistency this season

Nottingham Panthers coach Corey Neilson believes his side will respond in a positive manner this weekend following last Sunday's 5-1 defeat in Edinburgh.

Panthers host the Capitals on Saturday and travel to Hull on Sunday.

Neilson told BBC Radio Nottingham: "We've been a team that has responded well to most of our disappointments and that will be the task again.

"There are always going to points where you have to get yourself back up and we have to be on the same page again."

Second-placed Panthers are now two points behind leaders Coventry, who still have four games in hand.

"If Coventry keep winning at their same win percentage then we're about six or seven points behind and that is definitely a task," added Neilson.

"But there's an opportunity for us to play them and we're very good against them.

"They have a meaty part of the schedule right now and I know they have taken care of Belfast so far.

"But I think when it comes to the stretch Belfast will take some points off them and Hull are a much-improved side and Edinburgh are a dangerous team.

"Sheffield on current form hasn't been good but they went through a stretch where they were the hottest team in the league and then there's Cardiff.

"You never know how it's going to lay out. It's easy to drop points, especially for the top guys when the others are out to get you."