Flames v Panthers

Match Report

Nottingham Panthers were beaten 2-1 on the road at Guildford Flames in the Elite League on Sunday night.

Brendan Harris missed the game through suspension as he served the second game of a three-match ban. Jason Grande started between the pipes with Luca Sheldon as back-up.

Marcinew on target for Panthers in even first period
Grande made two big early saves to deny Flames forward Tyler Preziuso before Matt Alvaro's one-timer from the left-circle on the five-on-three powerplay put the hosts ahead (12:21).

Justin Fazio produced a top-class stop on Matt Spencer but soon after, Chase Pearson superbly set-up Matt Marcinew who pulled a move in close to equalise (15:40).

No goals in second period
Grande made two good close-range saves to stop Jamal Watson and Ethan Strang in the early stages of the second session.

Marcinew had a couple of chances to add to his goal in the first period, while Zsombor Garát shot inches wide of the right-hand post.

Waller scores game-winner for the hosts
Jack Jacome and Alvaro combined to set-up Josh Waller to sweep the puck past Grande at the backdoor (40:31).

Nolan Volcan, Ross Armour and David Noël had chances on the powerplay, before Fazio made an outstanding save to stop Pearson.

Cooper Zech hit the pipes in the closing stages - while Armour and Tim Doherty had shots saved by Fazio with Grande lifted for the extra outskater - but the hosts stood firm to secure the two points.