Sun 10 Sep 2023 - 4:57PM
MATCH REPORT: PANTHERS 4-3 STEELERS
![MATCH REPORT: PANTHERS 4-3 STEELERS Top Image](/images/ww/media/2023-24%20Season/Lemay%20celebration%20v%20Steelers.jpg)
The Nottingham Panthers beat Sheffield Steelers 4-3 in the GM the GM Memorial Cup on a thrilling night at the Motorpoint Arena.
Mike Robinson got the start in-between the pipes with Rok Stojanovic as back-up.
The coaches will choose the captains ahead of the regular season but tonight Ollie Betteridge wore the C after Victor Björkung captained the side last night.
Lemay and Henbrant on target in 2-2 first period
Robinson made an early save to deny Mitchell Balmas and then stopped a Brandon Whistle breakaway, before Adam Johnson's superb pass set-up Mathieu Lemay to put Panthers ahead (4:04).
Sam Jones equalised for the Steelers with a top-shelf finish from the right circle (07:53) and 46 seconds later, Daniel Capini scored from close range to turn the game on its head (8:39).
Björkung and Lemay combined to feed Didrik Henbrant who scored through the five-hole to make it two each only 80 seconds later (9:59).
Nieminen gives Panthers the advantage
Alexander Lunsjö hit the pipes short-handed early in period two and Panthers went ahead as Otto Nieminen stepped out from behind the net to slide the puck past Anthony Morrone (30:34).
Panthers had two more chances short-handed later in the period as Henbrant used his skill before being denied by Morrone, while Hugo Roy also went close.
Nieminen wins it for the Panthers
Lunsjö and Westin Michaud had chances early in period three, but Sheffield equalised through Brett Neumann from the slot (47:53).
Henbrant found space down the right-hand side but saw his shot saved, before Panthers won it with under three minutes remaining when Björkung's effort was saved and Nieminen popped home the rebound.