Hard work can see Stingrays fell Giants

Doug Christiansen's side visit Hull Arena tonight sitting seven points clear of second-placed Sheffield Steelers, although Ben Simon's team – who host Coventry Blaze in the Challenge Cup tonight – do have three games in hand.

And although Cloutier is convinced Belfast can comfortably cope with the loss to injury of four of their key players for tonight's game, he is confident his side can upset the odds – providing they out-work their visitors.

"When you look at their team, it's an All-Star team," said Cloutier, whose side welcome Newcastle Vipers to East Yorkshire tomorrow night.

"If that team does not win the league there is obviously something wrong. It doesn't matter how many injuries they have got, the guys they have in the line-up are all top-end guys.

"We have to our-work them, if you have the heart, the character and go out and out-work skilled guys usually the guys who out-work the others win the battles."

British forward Lee Mitchell will hope to return to action for Hull against Belfast after missing the last two games with a knee injury.

The 23-year-old - who missed the first two months of last season with a similar problem - had a scan this week and also saw a specialist to determine the extent of the problem.

He said: "It looks likes there is some cartilage damage but they are sending it away to get a second opinion. The specialist told me I should be able to play in the meantime.

"I have had a bit of pain in the knee but I will go out for warm-up and skate hard to see if I will be able to play.

"If it feels good I will play but how much will be down to the coach. I don't want to play hurt and put the team in trouble.

While a Challenge Cup win would be welcomed by Steelers against Coventry at Sheffield Arena tonight (7pm), two points from tomorrow night's league trip to Cardiff Devils is of greater importance if they are to keep in touch with Belfast.

Forwards Rob Globke and Derek Campbell should return to Steelers' line-up this weekend, although captain Jonathan Phillips is out after suffering a knee ligament injury in last week's defeat to Braehead.

Campbell - back from a four-match suspension - said he is looking forward to playing against his former club Coventry.

"I enjoyed my time with the Blaze and will always have fond memories of winning the league there," he said. "The organisation is first class.

"I cannot wait to get back on the ice and especially with it being Coventry."

IN the EPL, Sheffield Steeldogs travel to leaders Manchester Phoenix on Saturday night before returning to IceSheffield to welcome Swindon Wildcats on Sunday (5.30pm).