Fri 23 Dec 2022 - 9:59PM

ELITE LEAGUE: PANTHERS 4-2 CLAN

The Nottingham Panthers secured their fifth successive victory as they beat Glasgow Clan 4-2 at the Motorpoint Arena in the Viaplay Elite League on Friday night.

It was a special night for Panthers captain Matthew Myers who got a goal and assist to become only the fifth player in Elite League history to reach 600 points.

Panthers were without injured defencemen Duggie Lagrone and Craig Moore, so Jordan Kelsall and Fabrizio Ricci continued on defence.

Alex Dubeau started between the pipes with Nottingham Lions netminder Matty Bloor serving as back-up.

Hammond puts Panthers ahead at first intermission
Brett Welychka shot just wide within the first 90 seconds, while Craig Puffer and Stephen Anderson also had early chances.

Clan grew into the game as the period went on and John Dunbar forced a good save out of Dubeau.

David Levin superbly created Nottingham's opener as he dangled his way in the offensive zone, before a perfect feed to Mike Hammond who buried the puck at the backdoor (12:29).

Myers and Brassard on target before Clan fight back
Jordan Cownie hit the underside of the bar on an early second-period powerplay, while Dubeau made outstanding stops from Gary Haden and Craig Peacock.

A superb short-handed finish across Clan netminder John Muse by Myers - his 599th Elite League point - stretched Nottingham's lead (26:29) and JC Brassard's deflected shot increased the advantage to three (28:28).

Haden's shot was saved by Dubeau but hit Brassard and looped back over the Panthers netminder as Glasgow got on the board only 45 seconds later (29:13).

Cownie fed Andrew McLean who jumped into the play and fired low from the left circle as Clan reduced the arrears and moments later Dubeau made an outstanding back-post save from Steven McParland's shot.

Myers reaches 600 EIHL points with assist on fourth goal
Mitch Jones hit the inside of the right-hand post from the blueline as Glasgow pushed hard for an equaliser and moments later, Myers smashed a shot against the bar at the other end.

Clan lifted Muse for the extra skater in the final stages and Myers secured his 600th Elite League point by setting-up Anderson to score into an empty net.

Steelers and Blaze next at home for the Panthers
Panthers are on-the-road at Sheffield Steelers on Boxing Day, before the two sides meet again in front of a sold-out Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham the following day (4pm).

Tickets are selling fast for the New Year's Eve match with Coventry Blaze at the Motorpoint Arena (4pm).

A huge crowd is expected again next Saturday so you're advised to purchase your tickets as soon as possible.

Click here to buy Panthers tickets.