Sat 8 Mar 2025 - 10:30PM

8TH MARCH 2025: PANTHERS 2-1 STEELERS

🎟 NEXT HOME GAME: SUN 16TH MARCH (4PM) v FIFE - BUY TICKETS HERE 🎟

Nottingham Panthers beat Sheffield Steelers 2-1 after a penalty shootout on a stunning night at a sold-out Motorpoint Arena.

A crowd of nearly 7,000 saw Panthers come from behind to secure the win and close the gap to three points on leaders Belfast Giants who were beaten at home by Dundee Stars.

Panthers came from behind to score in the third period and then converted three in the shootout with Jason Grande saving three of Sheffield's four attempts.

Didrik Henbrant returned to the line-up but Otto Nieminen and Mitch Fossier missed-out because of injury.

Grande started between the pipes with former Steeler Jere Huhtamaa as back-up.

Steelers lead after first period
On an early first-period powerplay for the Steelers, Grande made a great save to deny Mark Simpson who also hit the pipes before Robert Dowd scored from close-range (5:02).

Great reflexes from Grande saw him turn away Dowd's tip following a blast from the blueline by Colton Saucerman.

At the other end, Davis Bunz and Logan Neilson had chances in quick succession and Panthers finished the period strong as Matt Greenfield made saves on Kristoff Kontos, Cooper Zech and Zsombor Garát.

Panthers on top in second period but no goals
Greenfield made an outstanding pad save to deny Kontos on the powerplay and also stopped Hugo Roy's breakaway effort.

Steelers had fewer clear-cut chances but Grande had to be at this best to make a sprawling save on Mikko Juusola from point-blank range.

Doherty scores only goal of third period
Grande stopped Patrick Watling on a breakaway before Panthers dominated much of the rest of the period.

Kontos and Matt Alfaro went close before Tim Doherty buried a close-range rebound to equalise (48:49).

Zech, Henbrant and Sam Herr all had chances in a frantic third session.

Panthers win dramatic shootout
After Henbrant and Zech were denied by Greenfield in overtime, Mitchell Balmas hit the post at the other end and Grande denied Marc-Olivier Vallerand.

In the shootout, Kontos, Doherty and Zech all scored and Grande made three saves as Panthers secured the extra point.

Fife next at home for Panthers
The next home action is the visit of Fife Flyers to the Motorpoint Arena a week on Sunday (16th March) at 4pm.

Tickets are already selling fast for this game and sales already suggest the arena will be close to capacity, so you are urged to secure your seats asap!

Family Tickets are available which offer discounted admission compared to standard prices. Please select Block 8 or Block 12.

🎟 NEXT HOME GAME: SUN 16TH MARCH (4PM) v FIFE - BUY TICKETS HERE 🎟