Flames and Panthers tied after first leg

Photo: John Uwins

Guildford Flames came from behind four times as they ended their Premier Sports Playoffs Quarter-Final all square with Nottingham Panthers on Saturday night.

Sean Richards beat Kevin Lindskoug at 6:24 for the opening goal which was the only score of the first period at the Spectrum, notable for the Panthers starting Kevin Carr in net for the first time in over three weeks.

The Flames were level 5:04 into period through Turner Ripplinger's top-shelf shot from the slo, but that lasted just 36 seconds before Richards' throw on net was deflected past his own goalie by Jamal Watson to put the Panthers back ahead. 

Mike Crocock levelled things five minutes later on a 2-on-1 rush, but at 33:07 Christophe Boivin put the Panthers back into a lead they'd hold into the second intermission.

Ian McNulty tipped Jake Bolton's shot past Kevin Carr 5:07 into period three for the powerplay equaliser, but again the Flames couldn't stay level for long - 53:29 was on the clock when Matt Myers deflected Kevin Massy's shot past Lindskoug. 

Guildford were, however, able to fight back again: Owen Griffiths shot through a screen from distance along the win and the puck slide past Carr to tie things up with 1:44 to play to the delight of the home crowd.

A late scuffle added some extra spice going into tomorrow's return leg in Nottingham which will be a straight shootout: whoever wins will be in the Semi-Finals - and you can see it LIVE on Premier Sports!