Steve Thornton has spelt out to his newcomers the importance of playing for the Elite League title as he shoots for top spot tonight.

The Belfast Giants coach has had to re-educate the North American imports who are used to the emphasis being on winning the play-offs back home.

In the UK though it’s a different mentality and the likes of Pat Bateman and Brandon Benedict, who are in their first season on these shores, have been told that it’s performances all through the season and not just in the closing weeks, that bring the rewards.

And the reward for the Giants if they can continue their seven game winning streak in the league by beating Coventry Blaze at the Odyssey tonight and follow that up with victory in Cardiff on Sunday will be top spot in the table, if the Nottingham Panthers drop any points.

“It is the league that counts and we have been trying to get that message through to the players by telling them that every weekend is like being in the play-offs,” said Thornton.

“The new guys are starting to learn how important it is.

“The league is so tight at the minute, with two points separating five teams.

“Depending on what happens this weekend, if we win our two games we can go top, or if we drop all four points we could be fifth.

“The guys recognise that and there is a determination not to allow that to happen.”

Thornton is battling through yet another injury crisis. Since he took the job as Belfast Giants coach he has hardly had a game where everyone has been fit and available.

Pierre-Luc Faubert joined George Awada — who is out for the season after undergoing shoul

der surgery yesterday — and Mark Morrison on the list of absentees, although Kevin Phillips may return against Coventry tonight.

Still expected to be missing is starting goaltender Stephen Murphy, but Nathan Craze continues to show why he is the best back-up in the league and was impressive in the two Challenge Cup games against Sheffield last weekend.

“Stephen Murphy is one of the top goalies in the league, no question about it and it’s tough without him,” said Thornton.

“I am not happy that he is out, but I am happy that I have got Nathan to come in.

“Stephen was our best player before he went out — the best player in the best team in the league — and anyone would miss someone of his quality.”