Panthers and Storm look to get on win streak

Photo: Mark Ferris

The Nottingham Panthers host the Manchester Storm at 7pm this Wednesday night with both teams looking to start win streaks, but for very different reasons.

The Panthers have just one victory in the competition so far, that coming against the Storm eight nights ago. Since then, Tim Wallace's men went on to lose to Coventry and Sheffield and sit last in the standings with a 1-0-4 record, and just 11 goals scored in five games.

Storm, meanwhile, remain second despite a narrow defeat to Sheffield on Sunday. A win for them will keep them just two points behind the Steelers as leaders of the chasing pack. 

Manchester boast the better powerplay of the two sides icing tonight with a 24% strike rate through five games compared to the Panthers low efficiency of only 10.53%. Penalty kills, however, have been slow for both teams - the Panthers ahead on 78.95% compared to Storm's lowly 62.50%. 

Team news
Ben Bowns skated this morning and on Tuesday following his injury in the warm-up against Sheffield. With four games in six days, the Panthers will continue to split duties between him and fellow GB international Jackson Whistle, although Whistle is expected to start tonight.

Manchester backup Stephen Murphy continues to be sidelined with a lower-body injury, meaning that Sam Gospel will likely dress again. Andreas Klavestad's injury is day-to-day, and the Storm will reevaluate him after morning skate.