Sat 5 Apr 2025 - 06:00AM
PREVIEW: PANTHERS START HUGE WEEKEND IN BELFAST
The Elite League title-deciding weekend gets under way this evening as Nottingham Panthers face Belfast Giants at the SSE Arena (7pm face-off).
After 52 games of the regular-season, the title race has come down to two matches each for three teams - Panthers, Giants and Sheffield Steelers.
Belfast are currently top of the table on 76 points with Sheffield second on 75 points and Panthers third with 72 points.
The Steelers host Cardiff Devils this evening in the other game in the dramatic three-horse battle for the Elite League crown.
A regulation-time win for the Panthers tonight in Northern Ireland and a regulation-time win for the Devils in Sheffield will take the battle for the title for Danny Stewart's side to tomorrow's final day (Sunday).
Stewart: Final weekend title-race is exciting
Head Coach, Danny Stewart, said: "Going into the final weekend with a chance to lift silverware, it’s phenomenal and exciting. The guys are up for it.
"To get to where we are has been a team effort. It starts with everything that's been done off the ice and Omar (Pacha) with the recruiting has given me the resources.
"The day-to-day staff that are with me, embracing the grind every day, and the players who have been phenomenal this year. It's a collective effort."
Click here to watch the interview on Panthers TV.
Get ready for weekend with Panthers Pre-Game Podcast
The Panthers Pre-Game Podcast crew preview the dramatic finale and unpick the scenarios that could happen.
There's also discussion on the amazing season so far and the standout moments of the 2024-25 campaign.
Jono Bullard, Chris Gadsby and Chris Ellis are eventually joined by former Panthers netminder Dan Green, who was late to the party!
Click here to listen to the Panthers Pre-Game Podcast on Panthers Radio.
Team News in association with Evolve Injury Clinic
​Foward Otto Nieminen continues his recovery from a lower body injury so remains out of action.
The full line-up and line combinations will be announced ahead of face-off in Belfast this evening.
Full team Shirt Off His Back
It's the final away game of the regular-season and there's 30 chances to win in the full team Shirt Off His Back.
Tickets for the online raffle cost just £1 each and can be purchased by clicking here.
Panthers Fanzone is sold-out!
Thank you for your support throughout the season at the Panthers Fanzone in the Blind Rabbit bar in the heart of Nottingham.
Saturday night's game has sold-out and it's sure to be a fantastic atmosphere as the #PanthersNation gather for the biggest game of the season so far.
Follow the action from home on the webcast.
If you are not with us in Belfast this evening, you can watch the action from the comfort of your own sofa on the live stream.