Guildford Flames 5-3 Nottingham Panthers *6-8 on aggregate (Challenge Cup Quarter Final 2nd Leg) 18.12.19
Nottingham Panthers came through a nervy test last night as they made the semi-finals of ice hockey’s Challenge Cup despite a 5-3 second leg loss in Guildford.
The Panthers who won 5-1 at the Motorpoint Arena in the first leg took a four goal lead to Surrey but were made to sweat as the Flames late rally left them two goals short but Nottingham were comfortable in the end going through 8-6 on aggregate.
Guildford were first to score on the night when Craige slashed home after good work from Rowley and Reddick and took a 1-0 lead into the second period before Malmquist levelled assisted by Horvat.
The Panthers might have thought they put the tie to bed when Matheson made it 2-1 to Panthers during a powerplay but in the third period a spirited comeback by Guildford and Reddick who levelled before putting the home side in front on the night made for a tense finally which was eased when Jon Rheault squared things up again to restore Nottingham’s four goal aggregate lead.
As Nottingham defended deep and with time running out Ackered slashed home for the Flames with a minute and a half remaining before Craige got in on the act in the final 30 seconds but despite the late rally it was little too late as the Panthers got through the tie which was all important on the evening.
Nottingham will now face Cardiff Devils in March over two legs in the semi-finals with the winners playing either Sheffield Steelers or Glasgow Clan who face off in the other semi.
*Main image @flamesicehockey as Panthers face off verses Flames.
