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Sat 1 Apr 2023 - 9:41PM

MATCH REPORT: PANTHERS 3-4 STORM

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SAT 8TH APRIL: PLAYOFF QUARTER-FINAL 1ST LEG - PANTHERS v FLAMES (7PM)
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The Nottingham Panthers were beaten 4-3 in overtime by Manchester Storm at the Motorpoint Arena in the final game of the regular season and will now face Guildford Flames in the playoff quarter-finals.

Peyton Jones got the start in goal with Matty Bloor as back-up, while JC Brassard was unavailable because of a one-game suspension.

Panthers were also without Luke Ferrara (ruled out for the rest of the season), Mathieu Gagnon (lower body), Mike Caruso (precaution) and Alex Dubeau (illness).

Hammond and Myers give Panthers the advantage
Mike Hammond and Adam Brady had chances in quick succession, while a superb bit of skill from Jack Hopkins set-up Niko Lahtinen but his shot was saved.

The visitors took the lead when Jones got a piece of Jesper Ohrvall's five-hole shot on the breakaway, but the puck trickled over the line (11:52).

Panthers drew level on a five-on-three powerplay as Jakub Izacky set-up Mike Hammond at the backdoor (15:18), before Jack Hopkins fed Matthew Myers for a top-shelf finish under three minutes later (18:00).

Izacky on target but Storm level at second intermission
Hammond's perfect feed from the corner set-up Izacky to score short-handed with a neat move on Jeremy Brodeur (21:04).

Manchester reduced the arrears when Dallas Ehrhardt cleverly redirected the pass across goal past Jones (26:24), before Anthony DeLuca scored from close range to equalise (31:17).

Archie Hazeldine's shot grazed the top of the bar and David Levin saw his follow-up shot saved as Panthers finished the period strongly.

DeLuca scores overtime winner after scoreless third period
Hammond went close on a breakaway during a spell of four-on-four while Izacky was denied from the right circle.

At the other end, Jones made good saves to deny DeLuca and Cam Critchlow.

Storm took the extra point and secured sixth place when DeLuca fired in the winner from the slot on a four-on-three poweplay in overtime (60:26).

Guildford in the playoffs next weekend
The Panthers now turn attentions to the playoffs which get under way next weekend with a two-legged quarter-final.

The home leg with Guildford Flames will take place on Saturday 8th April (7pm) with the second leg at The Spectrum on Sunday.

Tickets for the quarter-final are on sale now and can be purchased here.