Storm v Panthers
Manchester Storm
2 - 4
The Nottingham Panthers
Match Report
The Nottingham Panthers secured a vital two points with an outstanding road performance to win 4-2 at Manchester Storm.
It sets-up a dramatic final day with Panthers still in the hunt for one of the final spots for the end-of-season playoffs.
Panthers welcomed back defenceman Carl Neill from injury and forward Westin Michaud returned after missing Monday's game against Glasgow.
Jake Ryczek and Logan Neilson both missed-out through injury. Rok Stojanovic got the start in goal with Luca Sheldon as back-up.
Paré and McGurty give Panthers first-period advantage
Panthers took an early lead when Félix Paré picked-up the puck on the right and ripped a shot across Evan Weninger (2:12).
Michaud, Didrik Henbrant and Anthony Luciani had chances for Nottingham while at the other end, Dallas Ehrhardt's wrist-shot from the bluline was saved by Stojanovic.
Ehrhardt then hit the pipes before Cam Critchlow equalised for the hosts with a low shot past Stojanovic (17:53).
Myles McGurty collected a cross-ice pass from Carl Neill and rifled it into the corner to give Panthers the advantage at the first intermission (19:36).
Paré and Henbrant extend Panthers lead
Mathieu Lemay fed Paré for a one-timer to score his second of the night (22:11), before Henbrant tipped-in Joe Hazeldine's floated shot for Nottingham's fourth (27:09).
Mitch Martan put a backhand shot over the bar and Stojanovic stopped Critchlow's wraparound attempt as Panthers ended the second period with a three-goal advantage.
Panthers secure huge two points
Stojanovic made a huge stop to deny Stephen Johnson early in the third period as Storm made a solid start after the break.
Alexander Lunsjö was denied on the powerplay while Nieminen and Ollie Betteridge also went close.
Raymond Bryce scored from the Storm from close-range in the the final minute (59:26), but it didn't matter as Panthers had done more than enough to secure a vital two points.