Nottingham held off Cardiff to win the Challenge Cup on Tuesday

Coach Corey Neilson says Nottingham Panthers will fight to take the Elite League title race all the way but admits his side's chances are slim.

The situation had looked bright for Panthers after Saturday's 8-3 hammering of league leaders Coventry Blaze.

But Sunday's 3-0 away defeat against Cardiff Devils means Blaze lead by four points with three games remaining.

"It's not over till it's over - we're not giving up but it's a tough ask," Neilson told BBC Radio Nottingham.

Nottingham have to win their last three matches and Coventry must lose their last three - while Panthers would also need Belfast to lose to Newcastle.

"It was one of those nights. We had some good performances but we self-destructed a little bit in the third," Neilson added.

"I am proud of the marked improvement year after year. The dedication that these guys have for their jobs is amazing.

"The guys are crushed. This league title means the world to them; they have worked hard off the ice and put in great performances on the ice.

"We're made mistakes, we've had bumps but there has been a lot of highs," he said.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version