Thu 13 Apr 2023 - 7:45PM
HAMMOND PREVIEWS PLAYOFF FINALS WEEKEND
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The Nottingham Panthers forward Mike Hammond chats to Panthers Radio - in association with Xynomix - ahead of playoff finals weekend at the Motorpoint Arena.
Nottingham face Belfast on Saturday afternoon (3pm face-off) in the first playoff semi-final which is followed by Sheffield Steelers against Cardiff Devils (7pm).
The Grand Final takes place at 5pm on Sunday after the third v fourth-placed game (1pm face-off).
Hammond said: "It's exciting, there's a real buzz around the city. Everybody plays for these big moments.
"We have been excited for the playoffs to get started for a while now and I think it showed the way we started against Guildford last weekend.
"We are playing for each other and sacrificing. We have been through a lot this year, ups and downs, and we are pulling together."
The Panthers won the first leg 4-1 at home but that lead was quickly wiped out in the second leg in Guildford as the Flames went 3-0 up on the night.
But Nottingham rallied and eventually won the tie 7-6 on aggregate and Hammond says the impact of the travelling Panthers support cannot be underestimated.
"They storyline is how we're rallying toghether," added Hammond. "We could've folded at 3-0 down but not only did we stick together, the fans stuck behind us.
"Whoever travelled to that game was a part of that win. Everyone is doing their part right now to help this team win."