Panthers edge Clan in shootout

Photo: Al Goold

Nottingham Panthers extended their winning streak to three games with a shootout victory over Glasgow Clan at Braehead Arena on Wednesday night. For Clan, it meant their second point of the season but extended their winless run to 13 games.

Two goals inside the final two minutes of the opening period put the Clan into a 2-0 lead at the first intermission. Gary Haden beat Jack Berry from off a scramble in front for the game's opener at 17:55, followed by Steven McParland beating the Panthers goalie from a soft angle with four seconds left in the period.

Period two was a relatively quiet affair, although the Panthers gradually pulled themselves back into the game. Mike Hammond's backhanded effort after JC Brassard's shot came out behind John Muse off the back boards brought them back to within one with 30 seconds left in period two. 

For the second game in succession, Clan surrendered a two-goal lead on home ice. Craig Puffer levelled for the Panthers on a wrap-around that went through Muse's five-hole to tie the game at 42:10. The remaining 17 minutes largely belonged to the visitors who called Muse into some excellent saves to keep the game level. 

There were no goals in overtime, with Muse pulling off the best save of the extra session, and so the extra point was decided on penalty shots. David Levin scored the only goal of round two, with John Dunbar levelling in the third. Adam Brady's effort slipped through Muse for what turned out to be the winning shot.