Mon 2 Jan 2023 - 8:23PM
MATCH REPORT: BLAZE 6-3 PANTHERS
The Nottingham Panthers were beaten 6-3 by Coventry Blaze at the Skydome in the Viaplay Elite League on Monday night.
The two sides were even for much of the game but Blaze edged ahead in the third period and secured their victory with two empty-net goals.
Panthers were without injured defencemen Duggie Lagrone and Craig Moore, while Alex Dubeau got the start in the goal.
Sorenson and Welychka on target in first period
Mike Hammond superbly created Nottingham's opener as he shaped to shoot and delayed his pass to find an unmarked Tanner Sorenson at the backdoor (4:14), before Blaze hit back just over two minutes later when Garrett Johnston's low shot from left point was cleverly redirected past Dubeau by John Curran (6:34).
Panthers regained their lead through Brett Welychka's rebound on the powerplay (11:58) and Coventry scored their second equaliser - also with the man advantage - through Peyton Frantti's low shot from the left circle (16:55).
Sorenson scores his second but teams still level
Kim Tallberg's neat wrist-shot from the left circle gave Coventry the lead for the first time (22:20). The goal wasn't originally given with play continuing after the shot on goal, but it went to video review with the officials determining the puck had gone into the net and out the other side.
Panthers levelled during a spell of four-on-four hockey as Luke Ferrara chased a puck into the corner and fed it on a plate on the doorstep for Sorenson to score his second of the night (33:25).
Blaze wrap-up victory with two empty-net goals
Frantti fed Jack Billings who converted neatly on a breakaway to put the Blaze in-front for a second time (44:16).
Jeremy Welsh saw his shot saved as Panthers pushed for an equaliser, while Paavo Holsa made an outstanding save to deny David Levin.
With Dubeau lifted for the extra skater, Blaze scored two empty-net goals as Mitch Cook won the puck in the offensive zone for Coventry's fifth before Tallberg grabbed his second of the night to wrap-up the victory.
Giants in the cup next and then Flames at home for Panthers
Panthers are straight back into action on Wednesday evening as they travel to Northern Ireland to face Belfast Giants in the second leg of the Challenge Cup quarter-finals, leading 3-2 from the first leg.
The cup action is followed by Saturday's Viaplay Elite League game with Guildford Flames at the Motorpoint Arena (7pm).
Well over half the bowl has been sold already and another large crowd is expected, so you are advised to purchase tickets as soon as possible.