The Nottingham Panthers have been hard at work in training ahead of their big weekend. (Credit: Eoin O'Kelly)

Nottingham Panthers are facing a crucial weekend of Viaplay Elite League action as they travel to Manchester Storm and host the Glasgow Clan.

The Panthers, who sit sixth in the table, travel up to Altrincham on Saturday night for a key match-up against the seventh-placed Storm, who they have beat twice and lost twice to this season in all competitions.

They return to the Motorpoint Arena for a 1980s-themed night on Sunday, when they will start as big favourites against the ninth-placed Clan, who they’ve beaten twice this season.

Supporters are being encouraged to wear their best 80s clothing and accessories for the occasion, so the Panthers will be hoping to roll back the years for a statement win.

Speaking to Panthers Radio ahead of the games, head coach Corey Neilson spoke about the need to have a show improved performance levels after a 3-1 win at the Clan was followed by a disappointing collapse in a 5-3 defeat to the Belfast Giants last weekend.

Neilson said: “Manchester is a rink you have to have willingness to compete in.

“Everything happens very fast. Players have to have a willingness to stop pucks and make good decisions with the puck.

“You have to create some momentum in a building like that.”

About the game on Sunday, Neilson added: “Glasgow have created some momentum and they are working as a good unit.

“When we played against them last week, we made a lot of great decisions against them on the puck.

“A key for us Sunday will be that we have to maintain puck possession.”

Nottingham Panthers currently sit in sixth place in the Elite Ice Hockey League, and will be looking to at least hold that position for the rest of the regular season whilst under pressure from the Storm.

It will be a weekend when the Panthers can prove a lot about their belief and growth as a team, so the results will be interesting to see.

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