Fri 27 Mar 2026 - 9:15PM
27TH MARCH 2026: GIANTS 4-2 PANTHERS
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Nottingham Panthers were beaten 4-2 in part one of the double-header on the road in Belfast as victory for the Giants secured them the 2025-26 Elite League title.
The hosts took a two-goal lead but Panthers scored twice in 105 seconds to tie the game, before Adam Keefe's side hit back to secure the two points to give them an unassailable lead at the top of the table.
Panthers were without the injured trio of Matt Alfaro, Zsombor Garát and Matt Marcinew. Kevin Carr started in goal with Jason Grande as back-up.
Belfast lead at first intermission
Giants started the stronger and Carr made good saves to deny Ben Lake and David Goodwin in the opening stages.
Panthers grew stronger as the period went on as Chase Pearson and Didrik Henbrant saw their shots saved by Jake Kupsky.
But the hosts took the lead as the session came to a close when Scott Conway and JJ Piccinich combined to set-up Goodwin for a one-timer in the right-circle (18:31).
Panthers score twice but Giants keep one-goal lead
Goodwin scored his second as he put away a rebound after Conway's shot hit the post (26:49) before Panthers scored on the powerplay 39 seconds later.
Tim Doherty sent the puck towards the crease and Ross Armour used his strength on the doorstep to push the puck past Kupsky (27:28).
Panthers equalised when Doherty and Armour combined superbly to set-up Cooper Zech who went top-shelf at the backdoor (29:13).
Giants regained the advantage when Jake Gaudet walked in from the right-hand side and was denied by Carr, but Mike Lee was on the doorstep to force the puck into the net (32:45).
Jackson Whistle hit the left-hand post as Belfast finished the period strong.
Belfast score a fourth on way to securing title
Carsen Twarynski bundled the puck over the line from a goalmouth scramble to regain Belfast's two-goal advantage (43:54).
Panthers pushed for a way back into the game - including lifting Carr for the extra skater with three-and-a-half-minutes remaining - but Kupsky stood tall as Giants took the two points to secure the title.
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.