Panthers v Giants

Match Report

Nottingham Panthers beat Belfast Giants 2-0 at the Motorpoint Arena, but were beaten 3-2 on aggregate in the Challenge Cup semi-final.

Jason Grande once again was outstanding between the pipes with a 32-shot shutout and Panthers gave it everything they had before falling a little short.

Reid Stefanson returned from injury and replaced Davis Bunz in the line-up.

No goals in tight first period
​A tight first period saw both netminders on top form as Grande made good saves to deny Ciaran Long, Mark Cooper and Jordan Kawaguchi, before Gabe Bast hit the base of the right-hand post.

Former Panther Jackson Whistle denied Tim Doherty inside the first two minutes, while Sam Herr and Zsombor Garát also went close.

Garát puts Panthers ahead
Grande stopped Bobo Carpenter on the breakaway and Panthers went close at the other end as Quinn Wichers hit the post.

Panthers took the lead when Garát stepped inside off the right-point to fire a beauty past Whistle on the powerplay (32:17).

Zech scores in third session but Panthers just fall short
Cooper Zech scored his trademark goal from the left-circle to give Panthers a perfect start to the third period (40:37).

Grande saved David Goodwin's backhand shot, before Panthers had chances for Herr and Otto Nieminen.

Panthers lifted Grande for the extra skater and threw everything they had, but Giants held on to secure their place in the final against Cardiff Devils.