Panthers v Steelers
Nottingham Panthers
1 - 4
Sheffield Steelers
Match Report
Nottingham Panthers were beaten 4-1 at home by Sheffield Steelers in the Challenge Cup on Saturday night.
Matt Alfaro remained out of the line-up as he recovers from an operation. Jason Grande started between the pipes with Luca Sheldon as back-up.
Early Marcinew goal gives Panthers first-period lead
After Grande made a save inside 10 seconds to deny Evan Jasper from the slot, Panthers took the lead when Nolan Volcan fed Matt Marcinew on the doorstep with under a minute played (00:55).
Grade made two huge stops in quick succession as he turned away efforts from Robert Dowd and Joona Huttula.
Marcinew went close twice as his line with Volcan and Bryan Lemos dominated, while Cooper Zech saw his shot saved after Panthers broke three-on-one.
Sheffield score twice to lead at second interval
Steelers equalised on the powerplay within 29 seconds of the restart when Stephen Harper forced the puck over the line after a goalmouth scramble (20:29).
Harper scored his second rebound of the night as he put the visitors ahead from the left-circle (26:56).
Chase Pearson and Matt Spencer had chances as the period drew to a close, but Steelers went to the second intermission with a one-goal lead.
Diffley goal seals win for Steelers
Grande made a huge double stop including an impressive pad save to deny Mitchell Balmas, but moments later Sheffield turned defence into attack in an instant and Brien Diffley jumped into the play to score from the slot (46:45).
With just under seven minutes remaining Panthers had a goal disallowed for netminder interference. The goal was given as good on the ice but Aaron Fox called his coach's challenge and it was overturned after a video review.
Steelers wrapped the game up with a neat top-shelf finish by Evan Jasper (56:48).