Sat 22 Oct 2022 - 9:21PM
CHALLENGE CUP: PANTHERS 4-7 STEELERS
The Nottingham Panthers were beaten 7-4 by Sheffield Steelers in the Challenge Cup in an 11-goal thriller at the Motorpoint Arena.
Netminder Alex Dubeau missed out throughout suspension, while Duggie Lagrone (injured reserve) and Andrew Johnston (day-to-day) were also unavailable.
Jack Berry got his fourth start in succession between the pipes, with Nottingham Lions netminder Luca Sheldon the back-up.
Panthers ahead following end-to-end first period
Nottingham took the lead as Adam Brady's perfect pass found Tanner Sorenson who made no mistake at the backdoor (2:50), but the Steelers were level inside two minutes when Daniel Ciampini reacted first to a loose puck (4:33).
David Levin's doorstep rebound - after Matt Greenfield had saved Mike Hammond's shot - put Panthers ahead again (9:39), before Danny Kristo went top shelf from the slot to bring the visitors level (12:15).
The hosts took their third lead of the period as a patient play from Jeremy Welsh fed Brett Welychka in the slot to fire past Greenfield on the powerplay (17:28).
Steelers lead by one at second intermission
Martin Latal scored Sheffield's third equaliser from the left circle (21:54) and the visitors took the lead for the first time as Kristo scored from the right circle on the powerplay (31:12).
Sorenson's pass to the net saw Brady get the final touch right in-front of Greenfield (32:34) to haul Panthers level, but Robert Dowd pounced on a loose puck (34:19) to ensure Sheffield had the lead at the second intermission.
Sheffield hold firm to take the two points
Steelers increased their advantage through Brandon Whistle's superb top-shelf finish (44:44).
Panthers lifted Berry for the extra skater with three-and-half minutes remaining, but Steelers secured their victory with Brett Neumann scoring into the empty net.
Click here to view a full photo gallery from Panthers Images.
Panthers host Clan on Wednesday
There's midweek action for the Panthers with Glasgow Clan the visitors to the Motorpoint Arena on Wednesday (7:30pm face-off).