Cloutier urges players to show commitment

The 36-year-old player-coach was far from pleased following two defeats to Cardiff Devils at the weekend, particularly the 4-2 reverse at home in the league.

That followed a 7-4 defeat in South Wales on Saturday night in the Challenge Cup and tonight's trip to the National Ice Centre will prove equally as difficult, given that second-placed Panthers are unbeaten in six league games.

Cloutier, who is hoping to add two British players to his roster for tonight's game, said: "I felt we took too much time off on Sunday night against Cardiff and by the time we responded it was too late. I can't accept any kind of lack of effort from any of the players and hopefully they have got the message – we have to produce for the whole 60 minutes.

"We've got to be strong defensively at Nottingham because they are a good all-round team – particularly on the offence."

Nottingham won 3-2 at Hull two weeks ago in the only previous meeting between the sides this season.