QIt could be a historic night for British ice hockey. The Nottingham Panthers go into tonight’s game at home to TPS Turku knowing that a win, in regulation time, will see them qualify for the Round of 16 – a feat no other British team has managed in the CHL.  TPS need to get something from the game to still be alive next week; a loss plus Bern winning would see them eliminated.

It’s fair to see that after their heroics in the CHL, the Panthers’ domestic form hasn’t set the Elite League alight as much as they may have been expected to. Since beating Bern the Panthers have conceded 28 goals in eight games and will have to tighten up to have any chance.

“It’s one of those stages now where the maths is starting to work in our favour, and guys who aren’t performing at the top level so far will get fewer minutes. There will be competition for places,” said head coach Corey Neilsen. “If we can continue to move our feet well and start taking some of the chances then it bodes well. We’re going to need goals. They’re a great Finnish side.”

TPS, on the other hand, are just a point behind the Liiga leaders and have conceded only 19 goals in 10 games – and, are yet to lose a game in regulation time.

"They are on top of the standings and that shows how good they are. We need to win these games against them to go through, so I am expecting them to make it tough for us" said forward Jonne Virtanen.