Fri 21 Mar 2025 - 10:00PM

STEWART: PANTHERS ENJOYING PRESSURE OF BIG MATCHES

🎟 NEXT AT HOME: WEDS 26TH MARCH v MANCHESTER (7:30PM) - BUY TICKETS 🎟

Nottingham Panthers Head Coach Danny Stewart says matches at the moment feel like a "Game Seven" with the exciting run-in until the end of the season.

Panthers go into Saturday's game at Glasgow Clan just two points behind leaders Belfast Giants who secured a point on the road on Friday night, but were beaten 3-2 at Cardiff Devils after a penalty shootout.

In Friday's other game, the Clan suffered a shock heavy defeat on home ice as Sheffield Steelers skated to a 10-2 victory.

It means the Giants are top on 70 points with Steelers on 69 points in second and Panthers in third place on 68 points.

Stewart said: "These moments are few and far between in people's careers and we're there with a shout to win a championship. We know the pressure that comes with that but, at the same time, you have to enjoy these moments.

"Everyone's really excited. Playing in the big games down the stretch and playing for something, it's meaningful. It's a Game Seven and we been saying that for the past couple of weeks."

Captain Sam Herr spoke with Panthers TV this week and said while the team were happy to be amongst the teams chasing for the title, they won't rest on their laurels.

"You set goals at the start of the year," added Stewart. "I think the main message in the off-season was to put this team back on the map and we've certainly done that.

"Once you get to that you don't satisfy yourself, you want to set the next goal. The next goal is lifting a trophy and we've put ourselves in a position to do that.

"It's a lot of fun but you have to make sure you keep your emotions in check and your focus in check - and go out there and compete for 60 minutes."

Panthers beat Cardiff 5-1 on Wednesday night at the Motorpoint Arena, led by two goals by Herr and 30 saves by netminder Jason Grande and Stewart says this performance is the blueprint for what he wants for the rest of the season.

"The way we started and the way we played in the first period was elite," continued Stewart.

"Second period we absorbed a bit of pressure which you will do against a lot of the team in this league. We handled that well and made some good blocks at key moments.

"Our PK (penalty-kill) did a great job and our powerplay stepped up with two big goals and that was the difference in the hockey game."

📻🎙 Click here to listen to the full interview with Danny Stewart on Panthers Radio.

Storm next at home for Panthers on Wednesday
The next home action for the Panthers is this Wednesday (26th March) when Manchester Storm visit the Motorpoint Arena (7:30pm face-off).

It's going to be another huge night of action on Lower Parliament Street in the battle at the top and bottom of the Elite League table.

Come join the #PanthersNation and feel the special Panthers roar!

🎟 NEXT AT HOME: WEDS 26TH MARCH v MANCHESTER (7:30PM) - BUY TICKETS 🎟