OT winner extends Panthers' winless run in Sheffield

Photo: Hayley Roberts

Nottingham Panthers let a two goal lead slip as their winless run in Sheffield, extending back to September 2021, continued. The OT winner for the Steelers ensured they stay the only unbeaten team in the EIHL this season.

Things started well for the Panthers at a packed Utilita Arena with Otto Nieminen scoring the only goal of the opening period at 14:02 to have the visitors up by one through 20 minutes.

Matt Alfaro scored on the powerplay 88 seconds into period two, and, although Daniel Leavans got the hosts on the board at 22:31, Reid Stefanson had them back two ahead by 29:42. The visitors killed off two penalties towards the end of that period to stay up by a pair through 20 minutes.

Leavens struck again 6:51 into the third, and with pressure growing on the visitors they finally cracked - Kevin Tansey tying the game with 2:33 left in regulation.

Captain Robert Dowd won it for the Steelers 1:41 into overtime to ensure they remain perfect in domestic competition this season.