Sun 20 Sep 2026 - 7:00PM
20TH SEPTEMBER 2026: PANTHERS 1-4 FLAMES
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Nottingham Panthers were beaten 4-1 at home by Guildford Flames on Sunday afternoon in the Challenge Cup.
Panthers named the same line-up as Saturday's game in Sheffield, with Mat Robson starting between the pipes and Luca Sheldon as back-up.
Flames lead after first period
Miikka Pitkänen and Chase Pearson had early chances for the Panthers, before Ollie Betteridge was denied from the slot after good work by Jordan Kelsall and Patrick Larkin.
Robson did well to keep out two close-range efforts from the Flames in quick succession, but the visitors took the lead through a neat finish by Karl Boudrias from close-range (13:39).
O'Brien on target but Guildford still ahead
Panthers equalised moments after a powerplay came to an end when Aiden Hansen-Bukata's shot was tipped past Brad Arvanitis by Zach O'Brien (28:15).
Joe Hazeldine's tip hit the bar and Matt Alfaro was denied by Arvanitis when he broke clear of the Guildford defence.
Flames regained their one-goal lead through Chase Gresock's tip on the powerplay (38:18).
Flames secure victory with two-goal third period
Panthers pushed for an equaliser as Tim Doherty set-up O'Brien but his shot was saved by Arvanitis.
Guildford grabbed a third when Justin Ducharme took advantage of a deflected puck to score from the slot (50:00).
The Flames put the seal on their win when Josh Waller scored into an empty net with seven seconds remaining (59:53) with Robson lifted for the extra skater.
League campaign starts at home next weekend
Panthers get their Motorpoint Elite League campaign under way next weekend with the visit of Manchester Storm on Saturday (26th September) at 19:00.
There's already a large Saturday night crowd set for the Motorpoint Arena and the rink is well over three-quarters full, so you are urged to secure you seats now to avoid disappointment.
Saturday night is always a passionate night on Lower Parliament Street. Come join the #PanthersNation and feel the special Panthers roar!