Gascon celebrates with David Clarke in last week's 5-2 victory over Sheffield

Nottingham Panthers forward Marty Gascon says his side are ready to chase the Elite League title.

Last week's victories over Sheffield and Coventry saw Panthers open a one-point lead at the top of the table.

Gascon told BBC Radio Nottingham: "It's so tight at the top and every game is going to be a battle, every game is like a play-off game.

"We are going to Belfast with our eyes on the prize and do the same thing we did last weekend."

Panthers play two games in Northern Ireland this weekend in a double-header at the Odyssey Arena on Friday and Saturday night.

Every single game until the end of the season is important Panthers forward Marty Gascon

"They are a big team and we haven't had success in their building this year," added Gascon. "But we are only looking forward and everything else is behind us."

Panthers have a one-point lead over second-placed Coventry, who they beat 3-1 in the Skydome last Sunday, but the Blaze have two games in hand.

This weekend Coventry travel to Newcastle Vipers on Saturday and host Hull Stingrays on Sunday.

Gascon said: "Every single game until the end of the season is important, especially with this championship format in that the regular season is the main trophy."

Meanwhile, defenceman Dominic D'Amour has had his match penalty in Sunday's game in the Skydome downgraded to a game.

The video tape has been reviewed by the Elite League disciplinary committee and they've decided to downgrade it, meaning he will be available for the trip to Belfast.

Subscribe to BBC Radio Nottingham's Nottingham Panthers podcast for exclusive news and behind-the-scenes access to the players and characters at the club.

This weekly free download is presented by Chris Ellis, published every Thursday during the season and compiled from Panthers Powerplay bulletins on BBC Radio Nottingham.

For further details see:

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version