Nottingham Panthers 1-3 Fife Flyers (Elite League) 12.03.24 

The matchup between the Nottingham Panthers and the Fife Flyers held significant importance for both teams, each vying for a late-season surge towards playoff contention. With the Panthers having played 44 games and accrued 39 points, and the Flyers having participated in 46 games with 41 points, securing a victory held pivotal implications for their respective standings in the league. 

Despite facing the challenge of fatigue following three games in four days, the Panthers sought to deliver a formidable performance to secure the two crucial points. While welcoming Ollie Betteridge back into the lineup, the team faced setbacks with notable absences including Logan Neilson, Carl Neill, and Micheal Caruso. In the goaltending department, Rok Stojanovic stood between the pipes for the Panthers, while Shane Owen guarded the net for the Flyers. 

Period 1 – Quick start for the Panthers 

The first period witnessed an early advantage for the Panthers, with Myles McGurty’s deflected shot finding the back of the net, assisted by Otto Nieminen and Henbrant at 3:03. However, the Flyers swiftly responded, as Kevin Wehr capitalized on a loose puck in the slot, courtesy of skilful passing from Shirley and Pulkkinen, restoring parity just 37 seconds later. Despite displaying resilience and mounting pressure to reclaim the lead, the Panthers found themselves trailing after a deflected shot from Troy Lajeunesse at 14:17, assisted by Oesterberg and Emmerdahl. While the Panthers maintained offensive pressure, including a notable chance created by Michaud, the period concluded with the Flyers holding a 2-1 lead. 

Period 2 – Stalemate 

The second period unfolded as a stalemate, characterized by limited offensive opportunities for both sides, with neither team able to establish sustained zone time. Despite a powerplay opportunity for the Panthers and a breakaway chance for Stephen Anderson, high-value scoring opportunities remained scarce. The period concluded with the Flyers maintaining their narrow lead, setting the stage for a pivotal final period. 

Period 3 – Panthers fall short 

Entering the third period with renewed determination, the Panthers intensified their offensive efforts, dominating possession and generating numerous scoring chances. However, Shane Owen’s stellar goaltending denied the Panthers any breakthrough, including a close attempt by Otto Nieminen. Despite sustained pressure from the Panthers, including clean shots from Roy, Henbrant, Welsh, and Lemay, it was the Flyers who capitalized against the run of play, as Colin Shirley’s shot from the wall found it’s way past Rok Stojanovic at 57:27, securing the crucial two points for Fife and elevating them to 8th place in the standings. 

*Article provided by Joe Maciag (Ice Hockey Correspondent).

*Main image @PanthersIHC action between the Panthers & Fife.