Wed 27 Dec 2023 - 9:17PM

27TH DECEMBER 2023: PANTHERS 0-4 STEELERS

🎟 NEW YEAR'S EVE: PANTHERS v BLAZE (4PM) - CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS 🎟

A short-benched Nottingham Panthers put in another battling performance but were beaten 4-0 by Sheffield Steelers at the Motorpoint Arena.

Rok Stojanovic was between the pipes after missing last night's game through injury, while Mike Robinson was back-up.

Zaine McKenzie made his first Elite League start for the Panthers, but Joe Hazeldine and Austin Farley were added to the injury list which also includes Josh Tetlow, Ollie Betteridge and Westin Michaud.

Panthers dominate first period but Steelers lead
An end-to-end start to the game saw Kevin Tansey's one-timer hit the pipes for the Steelers, while Nottingham went close through Jordan Kelsall, Tyler Welsh and Mathieu Lemay.

The visitors went ahead on a two-on-one break as Cole Shudra fed Josh Nicholls at the backdoor (7:46), but Panthers continued to pile on the pressure at the other end with chances for Kelsall, Welsh, Otto Nieminen and Hugo Roy.

Sheffield stretch advantage in second period
Patrick Watling hit the post just as a Sheffield powerplay came to an end, but Steelers went two ahead through Tansey's bullet from the top of the left-circle (26:18).

Panthers went close when Stephen Anderson forced a turnover and Matt Greenfield deflected his shot over.

Stojanovic saved a Scott Allen penalty-shot but could do nothing to stop a fast Sheffield two-on-one break which saw Watling convert at the backdoor (31:48), before Mark Simpson made it 4-0 from close-range (38:01).

Panthers pile on the pressure but Greenfield holds firm
Alexander Lunsjö shot just over early in the third period while efforts from Kelsall and Welsh from close-range were saved by Greenfield.

Roy's penalty-shot was stopped by Greenfield and the line of Logan Neilson, Welsh and Kelsall continued to cause havoc but could find no way past Greenfield.

Stojanovic pulled-off a wonder save in the closing stages, kicking-up his leg to deny Watling from close-range.

Panthers back at home on New Year's Eve
Nottingham travel to Coventry Blaze on Saturday (7pm face-off), before the two sides meet at the Motorpoint Arena on New Year's Eve (4pm).

There's under 500 tickets remaining so you are urged to buy your tickets as soon as possible.

🎟 NEW YEAR'S EVE: PANTHERS v BLAZE (4PM) - CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS 🎟