Panthers v Giants

Match Report

Nottingham Panthers secured a point in a 2-1 home defeat by Belfast Giants after a penalty shootout in the Elite League.

Kevin Carr, who had an immense game and made 39 saves, started between the pipes with Luca Sheldon as back-up.

Chase Pearson returned after injury but Matt Marcinew remains out of the line-up for personal reasons.

Pearson scores on his return
Carr made a string of huge close-range saves on three first-period powerplays for the Giants and also made a good stop to deny Reid Irwin.

Pearson was unable to convert two breakaway opportunities, but redirected a shot by Brendan Harris to give Panthers the lead on the powerplay (10:48).

No goals in second period
Belfast had a sustained spell of pressure in the second period and Carr made a number of big stops, including saves to deny Jackson Whistle and Scott Conway.

At the other end, Jackson Whistle turned away Ross Armour's effort and Matt Alfaro also went close.

Giants score on powerplay to send game to overtime
Didrik Henbrant was given a 5+Game penalty for boarding following a hit on the boards and the Giants scored through Nicolas Guay's close-range rebound on the resulting five-minute powerplay (46:26).

Ollie Betteridge had a chance short-handed and moments after Panthers were back at full-strength, Mitch Fossier went close.

Giants take the extra point
Carr continued to put on a clinic and denied Jake Gaudet and Mike Lee in overtime, before Panthers had chances for Matt Alfaro

Giants scored twice in the shootout to secure the extra point.