GAME THREAD: Nottingham Panthers v Sheffield Steelers Sunday, 25th September 4:00pm

[Jayboy]

Up to Nottingham for our first game of the 36 we play against Nottingham this season...

This one is our 2nd Challenge cup game

[Nathan]

Gone for a reg win.

Not fussed in the slightest about these early CC games but wins breed confidence.

Probably be looking to play Oskar in these games if it were up to me.

[Jayboy]

Gone for a reg win.

Not fussed in the slightest about these early CC games but wins breed confidence.

Probably be looking to play Oskar in these games if it were up to me.

We have not seen any update on his injury status have we?
So presumably Curtis and Jordan have a chance seeing how one will have to at least backup for Manchester game..

[Nathan]

Gone for a reg win.

Not fussed in the slightest about these early CC games but wins breed confidence.

Probably be looking to play Oskar in these games if it were up to me.

We have not seen any update on his injury status have we?
So presumably Curtis and Jordan have a chance seeing how one will have to at least backup for Manchester game..

As and when he's ready I suppose.

Otherwise, yes, one from the other 2 depending on availability.

[Spoony]

From the Panthers' performance last night against Coventry, I think (I'll be burned well for this) that we have this one sussed. Steelers in reg.

[mark]

While every game is important and beating Nottingham puts a smile on all our faces it's a measure of how far they have fallen away that in terms of assessing how successful we are likely to be over a season games against Cardiff and Belfast are the true measure at this time. And in truth that isn't good for UK Hockey, the sport needs a competitive Nottingham Panthers ( the steeler fan in me says not that competitive ) to help the sport grow. They have made long overdue improvements off ice, but on ice they seem to have lost their way, it's got to be hard being a Panthers ST holder right now.

[ekt]

it's got to be hard being a Panthers ST holder right now.

I've got zero sympathy for them, I'm content being a Steelers ST holder.
To be honest I think they need a disastrous year to make their fanbase wake up and force change.
It's a pity because I liked what Pacha did at Hull and Dundee.

Historically, the Panthers are a tournament team not a league winning team, except the once in the last 65 years or so, but this year it might just be Manchester's turn to get through to the final rounds of the Challenge cup.

Its too early to write the Panthers off, but based on their start, if I lived in Nottingham I'd save my money.
A half full stadium is what would make Neil Black sit up and notice.

Something is just not right in Nottingham, they looked like a good team on paper.

[smbmetal]

Steelers win 4-2.

Perhaps a chance to play one of our backup goalies? No need to risk any injury chance to Greenfield. Guess Ostlund isn't fit enough to play yet?

Let Connolly's knee have a rest for this one as well. He's started well, so no need to put any further pressure on him.

[JoeySlats#13]

On current form and results we should win this one, however, no better game for the Panthers to have to try and regain some confidence in their team.

Never an easy win there and with this being our first competitive game there this season I can't see us making any significant line up changes to be honest.

Would be shocked if Greenfield isn't in net, he's in excellent form and he will have had a rest following last nights win, also good for him to get another game in their arena under his belt ready for the league games there.

Not expecting to see Jones either, I would have thought we may see him again on 1st October, gives him plenty of chance to recover and gets him ready for Blaze league game the day after.

I think it will be the exact same team and lines as last night, why change a winning side unless forced to do so?

[steeler pete]

It's taken a few games and no doubt a lot of practice in between but we seem to be developing some understanding and team cohesion.

Steelers are in better form right now, so I think a win in regulation.