Panthers take shootout win in Belfast

Photo: William Cherry

Nottingham Panthers responded to a poor Friday night performance in Belfast by beating the Giants in a shootout on Saturday night.

After a five-goal opening period on Friday night, it looked like there could be a repeat performance on Saturday when Ciaran Long's pass hit a defenseman allowing him to bat the puck past Alex Dubeau who was stranded covering the pass with 2:22 played. The Panthers were better in this game, however, and deservedly drew level thanks to Adam Brady going post and in from the slot at 16:39.

Brett Welychka finished nicely off Mike Hammond's pass to put the visitors ahead 2:54 into period two, but the Panthers could only hold their lead for a little under five minutes. Scott Conway saw his shot at 27:43 trickle over the line despite the attempts of the Panthers' defense to clear it, while 124 seconds later Gabe Bast put the home side ahead.

Brady had a lovely tip on Kelly Summers' shot to deflect it past Beskorowany tied the game with 12:12 left in period three. Both sides had chances to take the lead, but Duneau in the Panthers' net stood on his head on multple occasions to keep the Panthers level. With the gamei n overtime, the Giants had no less than three breakaways to take the extra point but coulkdn't find a way past Dubeau.

The game was eventually decided in a shootout where again the home side couldn't beat Dubeau, who stopped four shots. Goals from Craig Puffer and Kelly Summers were enough to earn the Panthers the bonus point.