Panthers v Clan

Match Report

Nottingham Panthers are through to the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup following a 5-1 victory over Glasgow Clan at the Motorpoint Arena in the Elimination Game.

Panthers join Belfast Giants, Cardiff Devils and Sheffield Steelers in the last four. As top seeds, the Giants will now choose their semi-final opponents. Ties and dates will be announced shortly.

Netminder Ryan Bednard and defenceman Quinn Wichers were both out of the line-up again because of injury. Jason Grande started in goal with Luca Sheldon as back-up.

Herr and Zech score as Panthers dominate first period
Panthers were well on top in the first period which saw Logan Neilson have a shot cleared off the line and Didrik Henbrant's goal disallowed for a kicking motion.

But it didn't affect Danny Stewart's side as they netted two goals in 38 seconds, which started when Matt Alfaro's clever backhand pass set up Sam Herr to score from close range on the powerplay (13:33).

Cooper Zech scored for the second game in succession in the left-circle following a feed by Jaako Niskala (14:11).

Fossier on target in entertaining second session
The visitors reduced the arrears early in the second period when Mitchell Heard fired over the blocker from the slot (22:11), before Steven Seigo's shot hit the pipes.

Grande made a huge close-range save at one end which led to a break by the Panthers and Mitch Fossier firing into the top right-hand corner of the net (29:29).

Clan had plenty of chances in the second session including Liam Finlay's effort which hit the bar, while Neilson went close for the Panthers but his backhand shot was saved by Landon Bow.

Alfaro and Roy put the seal on Panthers win
​Tim Doherty fed Alfaro who scored on his backhand from close range to make it 4-1 to the Panthers (45:51).

Hugo Roy's deflected shot from the left-circle deceived Bow as Panthers scored a fifth (50:22) to crown memorable night at the Motorpoint Arena.