Coventry Blaze 2-1 Nottingham Panthers (Elite League) 11.09.22
The Nottingham Panthers were beaten 2-1 by Coventry Blaze at the Skydome in the Premier Sports Elite League on Sunday night.
Panthers iced the same roster as last night’s 4-3 overtime victory over Guildford Flames as defenceman Mike Caruso sat out with a minor injury, with Archie Hazeldine remaining in the line-up.
Jack Berry got the start between the pipes for Nottingham with Alex Dubeau as back-up, while Paavo Holsa was in goal for the Blaze.
The hosts took the lead as a superb feed from Peyton Frantti set-up Garrett Johnston, who had jumped into the slot to fire in the opener (2:47).
Panthers went close through Stephen Anderson, but Coventry quickly scored their second thanks to a one-time blast from just inside the blueline by John Curran (8:29).
Berry produced a fine save to deny Kim Tallberg early in the second session, while Ross Venus hit the pipes as Coventry searched for a third goal.
Anderson was denied after a good feed from Luke Ferrara and at the other end, Berry produced an outstanding sprawling save to deny Tallberg from point-blank range.
Panthers closed the gap when Tanner Sorenson tipped in Mathieu Gagnon’s shot for his second goal in as many nights (32:35).
Kelly Summers had two great chances in succession, while Adam Brady was stone-walled by Holsa after he got goal-side of Brady Norrish.
Summers and Anderson hit the bar within minutes of each other as Panthers pushed hard for an equaliser, before Berry produced a wonder save to stop Colton Yellow Horn.
Berry was lifted for the extra skater late-on but, unlike last night, the six-on-five did not produce a goal and Coventry held on for the regulation-time victory.
The two sides don’t have to wait long to meet each other again as they go head-to-head on Saturday at the Motorpoint Arena (7pm face-off).
*Main image @PanthersIHC Nottingham defend in vain as Blaze win out.
