Panthers take advantage with shutout win

Photos: Dean Woolley/Panthers Images

Jackson Whistle recorded the first shutout of the 2021 Elite Series to help the Nottingham Panthers to a two-goal first-leg aggregate lead over the Coventry Blaze.

The opening period was a tight affair, with both sides visibly more cautious than in the previous 12 rounds. Nottingham kept Coventry's series-leading powerplay at bay on two occasions to end the period scoreless, although it was the Blaze who created the better chances. It was only the third period of the tournament to end without a goal.

Period two saw the Panthers start the stronger, and they were rewarded for their efforts with a Kevin Domingue goal 2:08 into the frame to give the Panthers a slender advantage through 40 minutes.

Austin Cangelosi doubled the Panthers' lead with 4:39 remaining to set the Panthers up with a 2-0 lead heading into the return leg on Wednesday night, while Whistle stopped over 30 shots for his shutout.

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