Storm v Panthers

Match Report

Nottingham Panthers beat Manchester Storm 3-1 on the road in Altrincham to secure two vital points in the Challenge Cup.

Panthers came from a goal down and scored once in each period for an impressive road win at the Storm Shelter.

Kevin Carr started between the pipes with Luca Sheldon as back-up, while captain Matt Alfaro remained out of the line-up as he continues his recovery from an operation.

Lemos equalises after Storm take first-minute lead
The hosts took the lead after only 12 seconds as the puck was dumped in deep and after Carr made the first save, JD Dudek scored a close-range rebound (00:12).

Ross Armour, Cooper Zech and Mitch Fossier had chances for the Panthers and Bryan Lemos equalised when he jumped out the penalty box, cut inside to the slot to beat Drew DeRidder (12:22).

Carr made a huge stop to deny the Storm on a two-on-one break, before Panthers finished the period strong with Armour and Zech going close again.

Marcinew​ gives Panthers the lead at second intermission
Carr made three important saves during two successive early second-period Manchester powerplays.

At the other end, Matt Marcinew, Chase Pearson and David Noël all tested DeRidder when Panthers had the man advantage.

Panthers went ahead as the period came to a close when Jarod Hilderman's shot went wide, Tim Doherty got a touch and Marcinew dived to the rebound to beat DeRidder (37:44).

Panthers add a third to secure the two points
Noël's deflected shot nearly deceived DeRidder in the opening stages of the third session and Josh Tetlow shot just wide.

Panthers secured the two points when Fossier was pulled down on a breakaway with an empty net and was credited with the goal (59:34).