Panthers survive late Giants fightback

Photo: Panthers Images

Nottingham Panthers raced into a 4-1 and then 5-2 lead before surviving a late Belfast Giants pushback to win on Saturday night.

Adam Brady opened the scoring 8:11 in, and the home side doubled their lead through a neat David Levin finish just under two minutes later. Luke Ferrara broke his goal-scoring drought at 18:19 to make it 3-0, although Scott Conway got the Giants on the board 17 seconds later. 

Up by two heading into the second, Jordan Kelsall made it 4-1 3:53 into the middle frame, with Ciaran Long pulling the Giants back to within two some four minutes later. The home side were back three ahead, however, through Brett Welychka at 31:20. 

Goals from David Goodwin and Colby Mcauley 2:20 apart brought the Giants back to within one with 8:14 left to play, however the Panthers held on for their fourth win in five league games.