Wed 25 Feb 2026 - 10:30PM
PANTHERS THROUGH TO CHALLENGE CUP FINAL
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Bryan Lemos scored the overtime winner as Nottingham Panthers reached the Challenge Cup final following a dramatic 5-4 aggregate victory over Sheffield Steelers.
After a 3-0 victory for the Panthers in Nottingham last week, Sheffield stormed back on home ice and led 4-1 to take the game to overtime.
But Lemos scored 25 seconds into the extra period to evoke memories of Kim Ahlroos who scored the game-winner in overtime in the 2004 Challenge Cup final at the same end of the ice in Sheffield.
Cooper Zech returned the line-up to replace Jaord Hilderman after missing Sunday's win over Cardiff Devils because of injury. Kevin Carr started between the pipes while Ben Norton was back-up in place of Luca Sheldon (illness).
Marcinew replies for Panthers after Steelers opener
Panthers captain Matt Alfaro shot just over inside the opening 15 seconds and at the other end, Carr saved from Dominic Cormier who moments later hit the right-hand post.
Mikko Juusola forced a turnover and scored short-handed to put Steelers ahead (06:46), before Panthers hit back on the same powerplay just 20 seconds later as Lemos and Harris combined to set-up Matt Marcinew in the left-circle (07:06).
Didrik Henrbant was denied on an odd-man rush but Sheffield had the stronger end to the period as Carr made excellent close-range saves to deny Juusola and Stephen Harper.
Dowd scores twice as Sheffield close the gap to one
Carr stopped Juusola and Brett Ritchie early in the second session while Jakob Stridsberg cleared a shot off line.
Matt Greenfield made a good pad save on Jordan Kelsall but Steelers forward Robert Dowd scored twice in just under two minutes to close the deficit to one on aggregate.
The Great Britain captain netted on a doorstep rebound on the powerplay (32:57) which was followed by an excellent top-shelf finish from the slot (34:58).
Balmas goal sends game to overtime
A one-timer from Mitchell Balmas from the top of the right-circle on a five-on-three powerplay brought the tie level (41:56).
Panthers finally grew back into the game and Tim Doherty fed Mitch Fossier but he was denied by Greenfield.
Lemos scores overtme winner
Just like in the 2004 Challenge Cup final, Panthers dominated overtime with Sheffield never touching the puck. Back then, Mikko Koivunoro fed Alhroos to stun the Steelers fans 53 seconds into the extra period.
And now - 22 years later - Harris superbly protected the puck and fed Lemos who went top-shelf to score just 25 seconds into overtime.
Panthers will now face either Belfast Giants or Coventry Blaze in the final next month. The Blaze won the first leg in Coventry 3-2 and the two sides will meet in the second leg in Northern Ireland on 4th March.
Next at home: Manchester Storm on Saturday 28th February
Just a handful of single seats 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 miss-out - secure your tickets now.
