Baillargeon wins it late for Panthers

Photo: Panthers Images

Robbie Baillargeon's 15th league goal of the season was enough to win this Wednesday night game for the Nottingham Panthers inside the final five minutes against the Manchester Storm.

Storm took advantage of an early Kevin Massey interference penalty with the game's opening goal just 2:53 into this fixture. Dallas Ehrhardt let a trademark point shot fly through a screen, and although the puck was blocked Jared Vanwormer was on hand to put home the rebound. 

With Linden springer in the box for cross-checking the Panthers got level, however - Christophe Boivin slapping home from the point past an unsighted James Downie.

Nottingham took the lead midway through period two. Jack Hopkins won the puck in the corner allowing Robbie Baillargeon to go around the back of Downie's net and come around to finish in front - the goal was notable for Hopkins' assist being his first professional point.

Storm had two powerplay opportunities to level, and took advantage of the second 9:05 into period three - Vanvormer the scorer again to tie the game. The Panthers were back ahead under five minutes later though with Robbie Baillargeon firing home at 53:37 to make it 3-2.

The visitors pulled Downie for the extra attacker with two minutes to go, and then went 6-on-4 for the final 97 seconds when Massy was given a cross-checking minor. Inside the final 20 seconds, Cam Critchlow coughed the puck up on the offensive blueline which allowed ollie Betteridge to skate down the ice and slot into the empty net.