Panthers v Steelers

Match Report

Nottingham Panthers were beaten 4-2 at home by Sheffield Steelers in-front of a sell-out Motorpoint Arena crowd.

Ryan Bednard started between the pipes with Luca Sheldon as back-up. Defenceman Cooper Zech missed out as he continues his recovery from a lower body injury.

Panthers had the better of the opening exchanges and Didrik Henbrant and Kristoff Kontos went close in quick succession.

The visitors went ahead after gaining momentum on two successive powerplays as Bednard saved Brien Diffley's shot and Finlay Ulrick buried the rebound (17:24).

A superb backhand pass by Jordan Kelsall set-up Ollie Betteridge who turned in a circle and fired top-shelf across Matt Greenfield for an outstanding equaliser (22:38).

Marc-Olivier Vallerand cut inside from the right to put Steelers ahead again with a neat finish (36:53), before Panthers came close late in the period through Reid Stefanson.

A great stretch pass by Sam Herr fed Tim Doherty to score on the breakaway (48:37), but Sheffield quickly regained the lead with a super finish by defenceman Sacha Guimond (49:44).

Panthers pushed for an equaliser and had two late powerplays, but Steelers secured the two points thanks to a empty-netter goal by Mitchell Balmas (58:56).