Panthers v Giants

Match Report

Nottingham Panthers beat Belfast Giants 3-2 after overtime in a thrilling game at the Motorpoint Arena.

Forward Mitch Fossier made his debut after arriving in the UK earlier this week, but Panthers remain without defenceman Cooper Zech who continues his recovery from injury.

Ryan Bednard started between the pipes with Luca Sheldon as back-up.

Sam Herr had two early chances, including one on the powerplay, before Panthers went ahead with Jaakko Niskala's neat wrist-shot from the blueline through traffic (7:34).

At the other end, Bednard made a string of good saves including one late in the period to deny Josh Roach.

Fossier, Ollie Betteridge and Hugo Roy all went close in the second period as Panthers continued to create the better chances.

But Belfast looked dangerous on the break and Bednard made a great stop to deny Elijiah Barriga on a breakaway.

Bednard made two outstanding saves at the start of the third session, but could do nothing to stop Scott Conway's equaliser from close-range (41:46).

Spencer hit the pipes but moments later Josh Tetlow and Kristoff Kontos combined to set-up Reid Stefanson who scored short-side from the right-circle (44:49).

Giants hit back when Mark Cooper equalised from the left-circle (50:28).

Pierre-Olivier Morin was thrown out for a check-to-the-head, giving Panthers a five-minute powerplay.

After the game finished level at the end of the third period, Matt Alfaro won it in overtime when he cut across to the left and fired past Tom McCollum (62:23).