Nottingham Panthers 3-5 Guildford Flames (Elite League) 25.01.20

Cardiff Devils 4-2 Nottingham Panthers (Elite League) 26.01.20

Nottingham Panthers were beaten back to back for the first time since October in the Elite League as they lost on Saturday night against Guildford Flames before losing to Cardiff Devils yesterday.

The Panthers were beaten 5-3 at the Motorpoint Arena following a dominant second period by the away side who came back from 1-0 down and 2-1 down to take full control along with all the points.

Ryan Horvat got Nottingham underway with a goal inside seven minutes before John Dunbar levelled going into the second. Sam Herr netted during a powerplay but three goals would sway the advantage the way of the Flames as Ferguson, Reddick and Waller ensured Guildord had a 2-4 lead going into the third period.

Four became five when Jordan Abt netted before Horvat grabbed his second goal of the game all be it too little too late.

On Sunday the Panthers travelled to Cardiff for the second time in five days as both sides warmed up a tasty semi final second leg encounter this week in Nottingham with another entertaining game of ice hockey.

After a 5-5 first leg challenge cup draw last midweek the Elite League return would be much more one sided as McNamee put the Devils up before Rhealt squared things going into the second.

For the second successive match however the Panthers suffered three goals against in a middle period that took the game away from them, first Riley then Haddad when five on four and a minute later after good work from Linglet and Dixon. Nottingham responded through Sam Herr but a scoreless third ensured the Devils would take all the points to stay second in the table.

Attention now draws to Wednesday where nothing less than a win will see Nottingham reach a record twelfth Challenge Cup final.

*Main image @PanthersIHC Nottingham disappointed over the weekend losing here in Wales verses Cardiff.