After losing on Saturday night to the treble winning side, Sheffield Steelers the Nottingham Panthers showed great resilience despite facing 51 shots on target to defeat the Coventry Blaze on the road.
Both netminders played a crucial part in keeping the game as close as they did but Rok Stojanovic was on another level during the game making 49 saves.
It was an evenly matched first period with both sides having chances early on and the Blaze killing off a penalty conceded just 16 seconds into the game, however it would be Nottingham who would make the most of the chances with Logan Neilson and Sam Herr giving the visitors a 2-0 after 20 minutes.
Despite the best efforts of Rok Stojanovic pulling off one of the best saves of the week the Blaze moments later capitalized on a Panthers line change and would pull it to a one goal game with Chase Gresock.
The second period domination from the Blaze continued as they would draw back level a few minutes later Chase Gresock would assist Michael Regush leaving it all to be played for in the final 20 minutes.
Period three was one for the netminders as both of them put on a masterclass between the pipes as both Mat Robson and Stojanovic would keep everything out the net sending the game into overtime.
Once more in overtime Stojanovic would get his side out of trouble but it would be Tim Doherty to secure his side the extra point as he beat Robson from an excellent play by Matt Spencer.
Nottingham continue to sit at the top of their Challenge Cup group with four games left to play, they look firmly set to secure at least a spot in the play-ins.
Nottingham Head Coach Danny Stewart said his team were “very lucky to come away with 2 points tonight” but added that “good teams find ways to win games”.
He also sang his praises for the Panthers netminder Stojanovic by stating “he was really good tonight”.
The Nottingham Panthers are on the road once more for their first midweek game of the season and their first battle in the league competition as they head up to Braehead to face Panthers legend Corey Neilson’s side, the Glasgow Clan.
*Article provided by Dylan Pick (Ice Hockey Correspondent).
*Main image @PanthersIHC scramble in the goalmouth in a tough battle at the Skydrome.
