Sat 28 Mar 2026 - 10:00PM
28TH MARCH 2026: GIANTS 4-3 PANTHERS
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Chase Pearson scored a hat-trick but Nottingham Panthers were beaten 4-3 on the road by Belfast Giants in the Elite League on Saturday night.
Panthers were once again without the injured trio of Matt Alfaro, Zsombor Garát and Matt Marcinew. Jason Grande started in goal with Kevin Carr as back-up.
The Giants made a number of changes to their line-up and rested players after winning the league with Friday night's 4-2 victory over the Panthers. Twin brothers Carter Hamill and Cameron Hamill came into the line-up.
Pearson on target in all-square first period
Panthers had early chances in an end-to-end first session as Ross Armour was denied by Alex Caffi and also shot just wide, while Pearson had an effort saved on the powerplay.
For the Giants, Karl Boudrias saw his shot turned away by Grande but the hosts took the lead when Gabe Bast fired across the Panthers netminder from the left-circle (12:17),
Panthers equalised only 79 seconds later as Didrik Henbrant was strong on the wall and his backhand pass found Pearson who beat Caffi with a neat finish (13:36).
Pearson completes hat-trick but Giants hit back
Pearson scored twice in 52 seconds which was started with strong work on the boards by Nolan Volcan before Jordan Kelsall's superb feed found Pearson who went top-shelf from the slot (26:50).
Mitch Fossier and Henbrant combined for Pearson to complete his treble (27:52), but the hosts scored twice in 25 seconds to tie the game up.
Ciaran Long fed Ryan Smith who beat Grande with a wrist-shot (36:24) and Smith then turned provider to feed Ben Lake for a clever finish at the backdoor (36:49).
Giants secure two points with late goal
Caffi turned away Matt Spencer's shot and Fossier, Cooper Zech and Jarod Hilderman had chances on the man-advantage, but Panthers wasted too many powerplay opportunities.
Long collided with Grande to spark a line brawl which included Spencer and Lake dropping the gloves.
Panthers' disappointing night was compounded when Jordan Kawaguchi cut in from the left to beat Grande (54:43).
Next up at the Motorpoint Arena
​The next home action is on Wednesday 1st April (19:00 face-off) when Panthers face Manchester Storm at the Motorpoint Arena - a game sponsored by WAGO.
Tickets are selling fast for this one too so make sure you secure your seats now and be part of the passionate #PanthersNation.