Panthers hold on to knock out second-seeded Flames

Photo: John Uwins

A crazy game at the Guildford Spectrum saw Nottingham Panthers lose their aggregate lead, re-gain it by two, and then almost lose it again as they held on to edge past Guildford Flames 7-6 on aggregate in their 2023 Viaplay Playoffs Quarter-Final second leg against Guildford. The Flames won the game on the night 5-3.

The Flames started the game off strong after losing 4-1 in the first leg of the series. Ryan Tait managed to cut the Panthers' aggregate lead down to two with an early goal at 04:53, as his quick wrist-shot trickled in between the pads of Peyton Jones. He did not waste any time in bringing the series closer, as he scored his second goal at 07:35, deflecting Daniel Tedesco's pass into the net. Not even halfway into the period, the Flames scored their third goal in the game tying up the series, as Peter Crinella netted a quick shot at 09:41 on the powerplay. The Panthers finally found some offensive momentum and got a goal of their own getting the aggregate lead back, when Tanner Sorenson scored a goal from the slot at 12:30. The Panthers scored their second goal of the game at 17:09, thanks to Mike Hammond capitalising on an odd-man rush. 

Period two saw both teams play solid back-and-forth hockey, however, neither team managed to capitalise on their scoring chances. 

The Panthers scored early in the third period to tie the game up through Albin Lindgren from the top of the circle at 42:31. The Flames did not take long to respond as Brett Ferguson blasted one past Peyton Jones at 42:54. Ryan Tait scored his third goal of the night at 49:42 on the powerplay, scoring from a tight angle to reduce the Flames' aggregate deficit back to just one goal.

Guildford pushed hard in the final stages with the crossbar denying them forcing overtime late on, but the Panthers held on to pull off the shock of the round and advance to Finals Weekend!