Nottingham Panthers 5-1 Belfast Giants (Elite League) 25.02.24
In a redemption game following a tough defeat against the Glasgow Clan, the Nottingham Panthers delivered a commanding performance against the Belfast Giants, securing a resounding 5-1 victory. Despite injuries and lineup adjustments, as Tetlow returned but Michaud missed out, the Panthers showcased clinical offense and shutdown defence, leaving the Giants struggling to respond. Rok Stojanovic, determined to bounce back from the previous night, guarded the net for the Panthers, while Belfast’s netminder, Tyler Beskorowany, looked for back-to-back wins.
Period 1 – Clinical Panthers
Belfast initiated the game with early zone pressure, hinting at a challenging night for the Panthers. However, at 3:01, the Panthers struck first as Hugo Roy’s precise shot from the right wing beat Beskorowany. Assisted by Otto Nieminen and Hugo Roy. The Giants struggled to contain the Panthers’ momentum, conceding a power-play goal at 13:58 when Lemay’s first-timed shot found the net after great work by Carl Neill and Hugo Roy. First line Logan Neilson would give Panthers a 3-0 lead after he provided a smart finish after the hard work from Otto Nieminen at 18:04. Closing the period with a standing ovation.
Period 2 – Penalty Trouble for the Panthers
The second period witnessed a goaltender change for the Giants as Jackson Whistle replaced Beskorowany after conceding three goals from 12 shots. Physicality emerged as Felix Pare and Jacob Friend engaged in a spirited fight. Felix landed some good blows, but Friend got the takedown. The Panthers faced penalty trouble, with Nieminen receiving a 2+2 for high-sticking, leading to a Belfast goal by ex-NHLer Blake Speers as he scored an identical goal to Mathieu Lemay. Despite additional penalties, the Panthers killed them off successfully. Lemay secured his second goal of the night at 37:52 as his pass redirected into the net. Assisted by Anderson and Henbrandt. Mcgurty’s tripping penalty added to the contentious period as many in the Motorpoint Arena let the officials know their thoughts on the four penalties Panthers received that period.
Period 3 – Shutdown Defence
Anticipating a strong pushback from the Giants, the Panthers showcased shutdown defence in the third period. Belfast failed to muster the expected intensity, and the Panthers extended their lead. Luciani expertly redirected a pass from Kelsall to score, capping off a well-executed offensive play. The Panthers managed to stifle the Giants, finishing the game with a dominant 5-1 victory.
Breakdown
The Panthers outworked and outclassed the Belfast Giants throughout the game, making a typically dangerous opponent appear ineffective. There were strategic adjustments, including maintaining a forward high in the offensive zone which stifled the Giants zone entries. Panthers continued to apply consistent forechecking pressure which disrupted the Giants’ game plan. Offensively the Panthers notably, overloaded Giants’ defensemen with two forwards to one defenseman which proved fruitful for the Panthers as it resulted in the fifth goal. Overloading the defensive gives the attacking team either the pass lane or the shooting as most defensemen can’t defend both. Jonathan Parades and the entire squad demonstrated tactical prowess and resilience, securing a convincing win and extending their home win streak to five games.
Conclusion
The Nottingham Panthers showcased their resilience and strategic acumen in a commanding 5-1 victory over the Belfast Giants. With a well-executed game plan, clinical finishing, and shutdown defence, the Panthers demonstrated their ability to rebound from challenges. The win not only secured their fifth consecutive home victory but also highlighted the team’s cohesion and adaptability. As they celebrate this triumph, the Panthers look forward to maintaining their winning momentum in the upcoming games.
*Article provided by Joe Maciag (Ice Hockey Correspondent).
*Main image @karl_denham action between the Panthers and Giants in Nottingham.
You clearly don’t know ice hockey or didn’t watch the game. Yes panthers won but in terms of play they were outplayed all night. You make out as if Panthers played miraculously.