Stingrays look to find crack in Steelers' defences

Steelers arrive at Hull Arena for tonight's Challenge Cup tie in desperate need of two points themselves to boost their own flagging hopes of progressing from Group B.

Hull are yet to register a win in the competition, the latest disappointment coming in Tuesday night's 5-0 defeat at Nottingham Panthers in a combined league and cup clash.

They have struggled to repeat their impressive league form which sees them sitting third in the Elite League table with games in hand on the teams above them.

And Cloutier – whose side lost 6-3 in Sheffield last month – believes Ben Simon's team are one of the most impressive he's seen so far this season.

"Sheffield have a very good hockey team and some of the best British players in the country," said Cloutier.

"They have three solid lines, have a good defence and their goaltender has been playing well. They are a well-rounded hockey team.

"We still have a chance to go through in the cup although it is asking a lot now – we need to play for 60 minutes and out-work teams which is something we have got away from in the last couple of games."

Cloutier will be without Jason Silverthorn after the Canadian forward suffered a concussion in Tuesday night's defeat in Nottingham.

Steelers – already missing defenceman Mark Thomas (ankle) and captain Jonathan Phillips (knee) – are hoping forward Ashley Tait will have recovered from a dead leg.