Wed 31 Dec 2025 - 7:30PM
31ST DECEMBER 2025: PANTHERS 4-5 BLAZE
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A goal 29 seconds from time condemned Nottingham Panthers to a 5-4 defeat at home to Coventry Blaze in the Elite League.
Panthers were without Mitch Fossier and Brendan Harris because of injury. Kevin Carr started between the pipes with Luca Sheldon as back-up, while Jason Grande and Jakob Stridsberg were healthy scratches.
Late Luciani goal gives Blaze the lead
Didrik Henbrant and Tim Doherty had Panthers' best chances, while Blaze hit the bar through Alessio Luciani's deflected shot and Carr made a good glove save to deny William Boysen.
The visitors when ahead when Luciani reacted first to a loose puck in front of the crease with the period coming to a close (19:17).
Panthers score three in 27 seconds
Matt Spencer forced a turnover and went in alone on Mat Robson to go top-shelf for the equaliser (26:34​).
Panthers scored three goals in 27 seconds to take a 4-1 lead which was started by Zsombor Garát's shot through traffic (36:05).
David Noël scored a trademark blast from just inside the blueline for his fourth goal in three matches (36:16) and Matt Marcinew buried a rebound after Doherty's shot was saved (36:32).
And just 26 seconds later Blaze netted their second as Matthew Gleason burst through the Panthers defence and beat Carr to reduce the arrears to two (36:58).
Blaze stun Panthers with three third-period goals
Elijiah Barriga hit the post early in the third period and it was a warning sign as Blaze scored twice in 47 seconds to tie the game.
Grant Mismash netted with a one-time shot from the slot on the powerplay (51:45) and Michael Pelech got the tip to Boysen's shot (52:32).
The visitors had all the momentum and won the game with 29 seconds through Pelech's redirect in the slot (59:31).
Back at home Saturday and Sunday
Following tomorrow's part two of the new year double-header in Coventry (18:00 face-off), it's back-to-back home matches for the Panthers at the weekend.
There's very limited tickets remaining for the visit of Guildford Flames to the Motorpoint Arena on Saturday (3rd January). The game - which faces-off at 19:00 - is sponsored by Lake Energy.
We're also at home on Sunday (4th January) against Glasgow Clan (17:00). This match is sponsored by MKM Building and the arena bowl is already well over three-quarters full. Family Tickets are available on Sunday which offer discounted admission compared to standard admission. For Family Tickets please select Block 8 or Block 12.