Sat 15 Apr 2023 - 5:19PM

PLAYOFF SEMI-FINAL: GIANTS 6-3 PANTHERS

The Nottingham Panthers were beaten 6-3 by Belfast Giants in the Viaplay Elite League playoff semi-final at the Motorpoint Arena on Saturday afternoon.

The Giants will now face either Sheffield Steelers or Cardiff Devils in tomorrow's Grand Final with the two sides going head-to-head this evening.

Peyton Jones started between the pipes with Matty Bloor as back-up, while Alex Dubeau and Niko Lahtinen were the healthy scratches.

Hopkins scores first of season but Panthers behind in first period
The Giants scored early in the first period as the puck fell kindly for Steven Owre who fired a one-time wrist-shot past Jones from close range (2:07).

Jakub Izacky and Jordan Kelsall both had jabs at a loose puck as Panthers pushed for an equaliser, but Sean Norris got the final touch following a goalmouth scramble to put Belfast 2-0 ahead (5:12).

Ben Lake made it three as his shot from the slot took a deflection past Jones (9:58), before Adam Brady and Mike Hammond set-up Jack Hopkins to fire into the top corner on the powerplay for his first goal of the season (12:11).

Anderson keeps Panthers in touch
Jeremy Welsh and Tanner Sorenson had chances in quick succession at the start of the second session and moments later David Levin fired just over the bar.

David Goodwin made it 4-1 after a giveaway in the Panthers defence (24:49), but Nottingham kept in touch when Hammond fed Adam Brady who saw his shot saved and Stephen Anderson popped home the rebound (33:00).

Izacky on target but Giants ease to victory
Belfast scored their fifth when Lake slid the puck over the line after a goalmouth scramble (47:31) - the goal given after a video review.

Izacky put away his own rebound on the doorstep after puck fell to him off the backboards (51:41), but Giants scored again just 71 seconds later when a pass from Norris behind the net deflected past Jones off a Nottingham skate (52:52).

Panthers lifted Jones for the extra skater for the final stages which saw Levin, Hammond and JC Brassard have shots saved by Tyler Beskorowany.

The Giants saw out the victory to remain on course for the Grand Slam after winning the league title and Challenge Cup earlier in the season.