Sun 10 Dec 2023 - 7:45PM

FINAL SCORE: COVENTRY 3-1 PANTHERS

The Nottingham Panthers were beaten 3-1 by Coventry Blaze on-the-road at the Skydome Arena on Sunday night.

Rok Stojanovic got the start in goal with Luca Sheldon as back-up, while the only absentee was defenceman Josh Tetlow who continues his recovery from a broken arm.

Panthers have better of scoreless first period
Otto Nieminen and Alexander Lunsjö had early chances for the Panthers, while Carl Neill, Mathieu Lemay and Austin Farley went close on a powerplay midway through the first period.

At the other end, Mitch Cook just couldn't get the puck out from under his feet with the goal at his mercy before Stojanovic smothered the puck.

Blaze score twice in second period
Westin Michaud was superbly denied by Blaze netminder Nolan Kent who also turned away Ollie Betteridge's one-time shot from the right circle.

Stojanovic kept out Alessio Luciani's effort from close-range as Coventry went close, but he could do nothing to stop Aidan Spellacy's shot from the slot after Cook forced a turnover (35:41).

Danny Kristo made it 2-0 on the powerplay as he took his time on the puck in the left-circle before firing past Stojanovic (38:25).

Ryczek on target but Blaze secure the points
Panthers had chances for Myles McGurty, Lunsjö, Michaud and Austin Farley in the third period but Kent continued to hold firm.

Nottingham's pressure finally told as Jake Ryczek fired a wrist-shot into the roof of the net, with assists going to Nieminen and Hugo Roy (52:52).

Panthers lifted Stojanovic for an extra skater in the closing stages, before Ian McNulty secured the two points for the Blaze with an empty-net goal (58:36).