Stojanovic backstops Panthers to vital road win

Photo: Flyers Images

A 29-shot shutout from Rok Stojanovič backstopped Nottingham Panthers to a one-goal win over Fife Flyers, keeping their playoff hopes alive.

Stojanovič pulled off a series of saves in close to keep the Flyers out in the opening period, including a couple of second attempts at the top of his crease.

If Stojanovič was the stand-out of period one, then Shane Owen was certainly that in the second. He made two excellent early saves to keep the scores level although the Flyers would go on to not convert on three powerplays over the middle session.

Lucas Chiodo hit the post early in period three for the second time in the game as the Flyers came closest to breaking the deadline. The first goal finally went in at 46:27 when Otto Nieminen's moment of individual skill saw him get through on Owen and the rebound trickle home off either him or possibly Brady Poteau.

Having not taken advantage of their fourth man-advantage of the game, the Flyers entered the final 8:42 of the game still behind. They had Owen to thank for denying Mathieu Lemay shorthanded which was arguably the best chance of Mike Caruso's Interference minor. 

With Owen out for the final 82 seconds, the Flyers failed to work Stojanovič into any difficult saves and saw time expire without a goal on home ice.

By virtue of now having played more games than Coventry and Glasgow, the Flyers slipped down into eighth place. The Panthers moved to within five point of a playoff place with four games left to play - this weekend they face both the Blaze and Clan.