Sun 25 Sep 2022 - 7:34PM
CHALLENGE CUP: PANTHERS 3-2 STEELERS (OVERTIME)
The Nottingham Panthers came from behind to secure a breathtaking 3-2 overtime victory over Sheffield Steelers in the Premier Sports Challenge Cup at the Motorpoint Arena.
Jeremy Welsh scored twice before Adam Brady scored the winner in the extra period.
The Panthers were without Mike Caruso, Luke Ferrara and Tanner Sorenson, while Archie Hazeldine remained in the line-up.
Alex Dubeau was given the start in goal with Jack Berry as back-up.
Welsh gives Panthers first-period lead
Panthers had the better of the opening stages with Welsh going close twice, while Mathieu Gagnon was denied on the wraparound.
Welsh put the Panthers ahead from close range, sliding the puck under Matthew Greenfield at 10:54.
Sheffield's best chance of the period fell to Daniel Ciampini but his shot was saved by Dubeau.
Steelers back on level terms
Steelers equalised on the powerplay as Sebastien Piche's feed set-up Brett Neumann, who fired a one-time blast into the top corner (23:37).
Andrew Johnston was pulled down on the breakaway by David Phillips and on the resulting penalty shot went backhand top shelf but was denied by Greenfield (32:26).
Welsh sends game to overtime
Dubeau made two huge saves from Robert Dowd on the same shift and then shut the door on a Neumann breakaway.
Steelers went ahead at 49:46 through Piche's one-time blast from right point (powerplay), before Panthers roared back with an equaliser 67 seconds later, also on the man advantage.
JC Brassard and Brett Welychka combined to set-up Welsh to fire home his second (50:53).
Brady scores overtime winner
Duggie Lagrone did superbly to break up a Steelers two-on-one break before Panthers broke up the other end to score the winner.
On a fast two-on-one break, Welychka fed Brady at the backdoor to fire past Greenfield to secure the extra point for the Panthers.
Click here to view the game gallery from Panthers Images.
Dundee visit the Motorpoint Arena on Friday
Panthers return to action on Friday as they host Dundee Stars in the Premier Sports Elite League (face-off 7:30pm).