Sat 7 Jan 2023 - 9:48PM

MATCH REPORT: PANTHERS 1-2 FLAMES

The Nottingham Panthers were beaten 2-1 by Guildford Flames after penalty shots at the Motorpoint Arena in the Viaplay Elite League.

Alex Dubeau was given the start between the pipes, while Craig Moore was back in the line-up for the first time since mid-November after recovering from being hit in the eye by the puck.

Defenceman Duggie Lagrone missed out because of injury, while Craig Puffer was serving a one-match suspension.

Early goal gives Flames first-period lead
Dubeau made a good early save from a Ryan Tait rebound, but could do nothing about Daniel Tedesco's deflected shot through traffic to give the visitors the lead (1:22).

Matthew Myers hit the post and then Panthers went close through Adam Brady and Brett Welychka on successive powerplays.

No goals in quiet second session
Dubeau was alert to make two saves on the same shift from Tedesco as Guildford started the period well.

At the other end, Moore, Myers and Luke Ferrara had chances within minutes of each other to equalise.

Kelsall equalises for Panthers
Dubeau made a good pad save from Peter Crinella's shot inside the 30 seconds of the third period.

Jack Hopkins fed Jordan Kelsall on the doorstep to neatly control and slot the puck past Eamon McAdam for his fifth goal of the season (43:20), before Ian McNulty hit the bar on a Flames powerplay.

Flames win shootout after scoreless overtime
Hammond danced through the Guildford defence and went close in the final few seconds of overtime.

The game went to a shootout with David Levin the only scorer for the Panthers, while Tedesco and Ben O'Connor netted for the Flames to help secure them the extra point.

Click here for a full game photo gallery from Panthers Images.

Two sides meet again in Guildford again tomorrow
Panthers and Guildford meet again in Surrey tomorrow for part two of the double-header (6pm face-off).

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