Panthers into Continental Cup finals!

Photos: Panthers Images

Nottingham Panthers produced a comprehensive display to ensure Elite League representation in the IIHF Continental Cup finals for a fourth successive season.

After earlier results, the Panthers knew that just a point against hosts SonderjyskE Vojens would be enough to make the final round.

They did it however in style by racing into a four-goal lead after 40 minutes of action in Denmark. Brett Perlini put the Panthers ahead after just 2:45, with Julian Talbot doubling that lead 3:09 into period two.

Travelling Panthers' fans were able to breathe a little easier when Adam Deutsch made it 3-0 at 26:35, and then just over a minute later Jason DeSantis took the score to 4-0. 

Phil Lane pulled one back for the home team with 1:08 left in the middle session, and then Mads Lund made it a two-goal game 1:38 into the final period to set up a more nervy finish than the Panthers would have hoped for. They did however ride out the remainder of the game without conceding again and took the three points to top Group E and qualify for the finals in January.

The last time the Panthers made it this far, they won the Continental Cup. A place in the 2020/21 Champions Hockey League awaits the final stage winners.