Panthers v Flyers

Match Report

Nottingham Panthers secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Fife Flyers in the Motorpoint Elite League.

It completed a four-point weekend for Danny Stewart's side following Saturday night's 2-1 victory on the road at Manchester Storm in Group A of the Challenge Cup.

Mat Robson started between the pipes against the Flyers with Luca Sheldon as back-up.

Naas and Pearson score in first period
Panthers scored two goals in three minutes to take early control of the game, started when Spencer Naas cut across the slot from the right and fired low past Jordan McLaughlin (05:52).

Zach O'Brien sent Tim Doherty on a breakaway and after his shot was saved, Chase Pearson who was following just behind buried the rebound (08:41).

At the other end, Robson made an outstanding point-blank save to deny Chase Dubois and also turned away a close-range effort from Joseph Pierce after Evan Dougherty's shot hit the bar.

Fife hit back before Pitkänen​ powerplay goal
O'Brien hit the pipes early in the second period before Fife stunned the majority of the Motorpoint Arena crowd with two goals in under three minutes.

Xander Lamppa set-up Pierce in the slot (29:51) and Dougherty scored short-handed on a breakaway to tie the game (32:12).

Panthers regained the lead just 78 seconds later on the powerplay when Matt Alfaro found Miikka Pitkänen for a one-timer from the right-circle (33:30).

No goals in third period as Panthers secure two points
Chances were limited for both sides in the third period, although Robson had to be at this best to turn away two close-range attempts by Fife in quick succession.

Fife lifted McLaughlin for the extra skater late in the game, but Panthers held firm to make it two wins from two in the Motorpoint Elite League.