Hull look to take sting out of Vipers

Rob Wilson's side led the Elite League at one stage but, following a run of one win in 11 games, have lost touch with the leading pack.

After a disastrous start, bottom club Stingrays have now won four of their last six games, the latest being a 5-3 win over Vipers in Hull last Sunday.

"They've got their No 1 goalie back so they'll have been given a lift already," said Cloutier.

"We know we can't afford to take anyone lightly but I'm extremely pleased with the way our guys have been playing lately when we've pushed the top teams very close.

"Newcastle got off to a great start and while they may have hit a bit of a bump – as all teams do – they're still a good team."

Defenceman James Hutchinson hopes to return after being sidelined for a second spell with a hand injury and will face a late fitness test before tonight's game.

Stingrays return to home ice on Sunday for the visit of title hopefuls Nottingham Panthers, where they will be hoping for a repeat of the 5-4 success they enjoyed over Panthers when the two sides last met in East Yorkshire shortly before Christrmas.

Nottingham gained swift revenge with a 4-1 victory at the National Ice Centre last Saturday.

"We never have a problem motivating ourselves for the Nottingham games," added Cloutier, who remains behind the bench as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.

"We've pushed them close in every single game this year and deserved to beat them at our place last time out.

"We seem to be two well-matched teams, our guys are doing really well so it should be a great game."