Sun 16 Feb 2025 - 8:10PM
16TH FEBRUARY 2025: BLAZE 4-6 PANTHERS
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Nottingham Panthers beat Coventry Blaze 6-4 in a thrilling game at the Skydome in the Elite League.
Didrik Henbrant and Otto Nieminen both scored twice as Panthers secured a four-point weekend against the Blaze.
Panthers were without Ryan Bednard and Cooper Zech because of injury. Netminder Jason Grande started between the pipes with Luca Sheldon as back-up.
Panthers score three in first period
Kristoff Kontos hit the side-netting inside the opening minute and at the other end, Grande twice denied Grayson Constable and turned away an effort from Alessio Luciani.
Matt Alfaro set-up Didrik Henbrant in the slot for his 20th goal of the season (05:14) before Panthers scored two lightning quick goals on the transition.
Reid Stefanson and Hugo Roy combined to feed Otto Nieminen (16:19), while Kontos and Davis Bunz exchanged passes to set-up Mitch Fossier for a one-timer in the right-circle (19:50).
Three Blaze powerplay goals before Stefanson puts Panthers ahead again
Henbrant dropped the gloves for a fight with Blaze defenceman Mike Kennedy which the Panthers forward shaded and continued the trend of a feisty weekend between the two sides.
The hosts scored three powerplay goals in just over two minutes to tie the game at three, which was started by Zach Vinnell's shot from the high-slot (29:14).
Zach Heintz's redirect from close-range made it a one-goal game (30:13) and Brandon Alderson equalised with a one-timer from the left-circle (31:15).
But the moment the game settled back at five-on-five Panthers went back ahead as Stefanson got the final touch after a goalmouth scramble (37:31).
Henbrant and Nieminen score their second goals of the night
Panthers made a perfect start to the third session as Henbrant jumped onto a loose puck in his own zone and with insane speed raced forward left-hand side and fired across Mat Robson into the top right-hand corner (41:43).
The speed and transition of the Panthers came to the fore again as Roy and Stefanson combined for Nieminen to score with a low shot from the right-circle (45:46).
Blaze scored their fourth powerplay goal of the night though Terrance Amorosa's long-range shot (48:31) to reduce the deficit to two.
Panthers saw out the win as the gap was closed on leaders Belfast Giants to seven points.
Two huge homes games ahead
Panthers host Guildford Flames on Wednesday at the Motorpoint Arena (7:30pm) with the game sponsored by Skechers.
Dubbed the Frozen Frenzy with all tickets just £10, this match has nearly sold-out and there's just a handful of single seats remaining around the bowl.
Panthers travel to Sheffield Steelers next Saturday before returning home to host Manchester Storm on Sunday (23rd February) at 4pm.
This game is sponsored by The Park Hospital and with it being a Sunday, Family Tickets are available. These offer discounted admission compared to standard matchnight prices. Please select Block 8 or Block 12.
Another large crowd is expected so secure you seats asap and be part of another big night with the #PanthersNation!