Panthers secure second straight four-point weekend
Photo: Panthers Images
Nottingham Panthers made it a perfect weekend with a 3-2 win over Dundee Stars on Sunday afternoon at the Motorpoint Arena.
The game was level through 20 minutes with the Panthers going ahead just after a powerplay, and the Stars levelling up on one of their own. Kristoff Kontos put the home side, coming into the game on the back of three straight wins, ahead with a deflection on Sam Herr's pass. The goal at 2:08 saw hundreds of teddybears thrown onto the ice that will be donated to local charities.
Dundee levelled while Mitch Fossier sat for high-sticking - Jonathan McBean finished good Stars passing with a snipe into the top corner of Ryan Bednard's net.
The teams were also tied after 40 minutes, both adding a goal in the second period. There was an air of controversy about the Stars' go-ahead goal as the puck rebounded off Drydn Dow's skate, however the game officials chose not to review the play after discussing. Captain Herr tied things up for the Panthers with 1:17 left in period two, batting the puck home after Richard Sabol had saved Reid Stefanson's initial shot.
Sabol made an excellent stop five minutes into period three when he denied a Panthers 2-on01 both on the initial shot and the rebound that threatened to sneak under him.
Dundee had an excellent chance to take the lead when Quinn Wichers was ejected for a crosss-check high on Brendan Harms, but the advantage was cut short after two and a half minutes when Dow took a hooking minor in his own zone. They then had to watch Hugo Roy fire high into Sabol's net during the ensuing 4-on-4 to put the Panthers ahead again.
That proved to be the game-winner, despite the Stars camping themselves in the Panthers' zone for most of the final two minutes of the game. Sabol ended with 39 saves from the Stars who played well but fell just short, while the Panthers celebrated their fourth win on the bounce.