Nottingham Panthers 5-1 Guildford Flames (Challenge Cup Quarter Final 1st Leg) 11.12.19
Nottingham Panthers have a huge advantage in the Quarter Finals of the Challenge Cup after a comprehensive 5-1 victory over Guildford Flames at the Motorpoint Arena last night.
The score line was sweet revenge for Nottingham who were beaten by Guildford on Sunday in the Elite League with club captain Sam Herr putting the home side up in the first period during a powerplay after Jake Hansen’s assist.
That goal took just over nine minutes to come but just two minutes later the score was doubled in Panthers favour by Brett Bulmer who rebounded when Danny Fick’s slapshot was saved by Peeters in the Flames net.
It got even better in a dominant first period when Herr grabbed his second of the night on 14.31 stealing in behind the Flames defence to slide the puck through the five hole.
Guildford did pull one back early in the second of the night but it was to be short celebration as a minute later Brett Perlini struck home to make the score 4-1 and in the third period Jon Rheault finished things off during a powerplay after good work from Herr & Hansen.
Some good defence kept the Flames at bay especially late on during a spell of four on four and when Horvat was penalised in the final minutes but with a four goal lead to take to Surrey the game and tie is now very much in the hands of the Panthers to see through.
Next up is the Devils and Storm in Elite League action this weekend then back to the Challenge Cup with the second leg at Guildford on Wednesday 18th December.
*Main image @PanthersIHC Nottingham take in a huge advantage to the second leg.
