Big home support can benefit Steelers

Steelers made it two wins from two in Nottingham on Wednesday night when they came away with a vital two points in the Challenge Cup thanks to a 3-1 victory.

It followed a 4-1 win at the NIC in the Elite League earlier this month and the Panthers – who dominated Sheffield last season – will be desperate to embarrass their hosts tonight.

"The game on Wednesday was very physical and I thought our guys played tough and smart for 60 minutes," said Simon.

"Nottingham have a very skilled hockey team and they have depth and toughness. Friday night should be another huge challenge for us. I hope our fans will come out in force and create a lot of noise."

The pressure will be on Panthers player-coach Corey Neilson, whose side had shown promising form with five straight wins going into Wednesday night's game.

Another defeat tonight would leave Nottingham eight points adrift of Steelers in Group B, although they would still have four games in hand.

Tonight's match is the second of four in five days for the Steelers ahead of their double header in Scotland this weekend against the Edinburgh Capitals.