Tue 24 Feb 2026 - 7:45PM
MIDWEEK LOWDOWN: SECOND LEG IN SHEFFIELD
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By Jono Bullard
Nottingham Panthers take the short journey up to Sheffield on Wednesday night where they face the Steelers in the second leg of the Challenge Cup semi-final (19:30).
After the first leg in Nottingham last Wednesday, Panthers go into the game with a 3-0 lead thanks to two goals from Brendan Harris, another from Jakob Stridsberg and a shutout for netminder Kevin Carr.
While it is a healthy lead, nothing can be taken for granted and the Steelers will no doubt pull out all the stops to try and take the tie in front of their home fans.
They have won their past seven home games, a run that stretches back to 30th December when they lost 5-3 to Manchester Storm.
The three previous games this season at the Utilita Arena have seen Panthers take a 4-2 victory in the Challenge Cup group game, while the two Elite League games ended in a 3-2 overtime loss for Panthers on 29th November and a 4-3 overtime loss on Boxing Day.
Since the game last Wednesday, Sheffield succumbed to a 2-1 overtime loss in Guildford before returning home to face the Flames again on Sunday, this time winning 6-3.
Panthers suffered a 5-1 defeat away to Manchester on Saturday, before returning home on Sunday to beat Cardiff Devils 3-2 after a shootout.
Matt Marcinew - who made his comeback from injury on Sunday and scored twice which included the penalty shootout winning goal - is currently on an eight-game Elite League point-streak with seven goals and five assists.
For the Steelers, Mitchell Balmas has three goals and three assists in his past six games, only failing to register a point in the first leg last Wednesday in that run.
It’s sure to be a fascinating encounter between the biggest of rivals, especially with a place in the Challenge Cup final against Belfast Giants or Coventry Blaze on the line.
Next at home: Manchester Storm on Saturday 28th February
Very limited tickets remain for Saturday's (28th February) home game with Manchester Storm (19:00 face-off).
The game is sponsored by The Park Hospital and you're urged to secure your seats as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
All tickets just £12 next Wednensday against Dundee
There's midweek action next week as Panthers host Dundee Stars on Wednesday 4th March (19:00 face-off).
It's our Frozen Frenzy which means all tickets are just £12.
Tickets are also selling fast for this game too, so make sure you don't delay and purchase your seats asap.