Flames back on top after tight win

Photo: John Uwins

Guildford Flames went back to the top of the Viaplay Elite League by winning their game in hand over Nottingham, surviving a late scare to beat the Panthers 5-4 on Sunday night.

Period one ended without goals, not an indication that nine were to come in the final 40 minutes. Matt Myers put the Panthers ahead at 22:21, but Peter Crinella tied things up just 24 seconds later. Ryan Tait put the Flames ahead at 29:28 which was the final goal of the middle period. 

Brett Ferguson was left unmarked to go bar down at the back post and make it 3-1 just 1:49 into period three before Robert Lachowicz scored against his former team from the slot at 47:11. Brett Welychka pulled the score back to 4-2 at 42:09, but when Sam Marklund got the final touch on a loose puck in the crease at 55:40 it looked as if the Flames had put the game to bed. 

The Panthers, however, had other ideas. Welychka's second of the evening at 56:00 was followed 38 seconds later by Tanner Sorenson pulling the score back to 5-4 with just over three minutes to play. And it could have got better for the visitors when a rocket from Welychka sailed past Taz Burman - but came crashing back off the post. 

Corey Neilson pulled netminder Alex Dubeau in the final 90 seconds, but the visitors failed to get any extended pressure on the Flames' net and the hosts held on for the win they needed.