DEPLETED Wolverhampton suffered a 57-35 defeat at Peterborough on Thursday in their last Elite League outing before the World Cup break.
Peter Adams' men went into the meeting without key man Adam Skornicki and Danish star Nicolai Klindt returned after a break with a shoulder injury.
Aussie ace Ty Proctor impressed with a string of fine rides in his 12+1 haul but Panthers were the better side from the start as they boosted their chances of making the cut for the play-offs.
Former Wolf Niels Kristian Iversen notched 13 for the home side and Grand Prix star Kenneth Bjerre scored 10+1, including a retirement in his last outing.
Wolverhampton next race at home on Monday week, August 2, against Ipswich.