Tom Watkins is eager for Telford Tigers to retain bite
Telford Tigers take on Guildford Flames tonight with a call from coach Tom Watkins to "earn their shifts" ringing in their ears.
A rare midweek game at Telford Ice Rink (7.45pm) will give the Tigers a chance to extend their lead at the top of the English Premier League to five points.
Watkins wants his players to improve on the form that has seen them remain unbeaten in regulation time so far this year.
He said: "It is important that the guys don't take their ice time in games for granted. We are fortunate in having a lot of depth in this squad.
"It is a case of making sure the commitment is there in practice, with the dedication and professionalism which has to be an ever-present. They'll earn their shifts, basically."
The Tigers scored 11 goals in just two games last weekend, as they maintained their advantage over second-placed Milton Keynes, but Watkins believes there is more to come from his chief attacking lines.
He added: "Personally, I don't think we score enough goals. I don't think our powerplay is good enough and we've left teams in games for too long."
