Panthers thrash Blaze in final game of 2024

Photo: Panthers Images

Three goals in each period secured a huge New Year’s Eve victory for Nottingham Panthers, beating Coventry Blaze 9-1 at a sold-out Motorpoint Arena.

The game was effectively won in just over six first-period minutes as the Panthers took full control. On a powerplay, the puck was worked by Mitchell Fossier and Matt Alfaro to Kristof Kontos at the far post to open the scoring. 44 seconds later, Didrik Henbrant burst down the wing and did exactly what we've come to expect of him - sniping high into the top corner to double the lead. Hugo Roy got on the end of a Matt Spencer feed at 15:13 to make it 3-0 with the Blaze somewhat stunned.

Just 20 seconds into period two, Matt Spencer was left in space in the slot and picked his spot to beat Mat Robson and extend the lead further. The second period saw Greyson Constable given a major penalty for boarding on Jaakko Niskala which saw him leave the game through injury. Just over five minutes later, Jordan Kelsall was ejected for a high Cross-Check, but his team would go on to score two more before the intermission. Otto Nieminen snapped a shot in tight from close range to make it 5-0 at 37:04, while 74 seconds before the buzzer Henbrant added the home side's sixth.

Again the Panthers started early, making it 7-0 through Henbrant 43 seconds into period three to complete his hat trick. Hugo Roy netted 55 seconds later to make it eight on the night for Danny Stewart's team, although an excellent breakaway finish from Chase Gresock got Coventry on the board at 49:09. That goal, breaking Ryan Bednard's shutout saw the Panthers goalie replaced by Jason Grande. Otto Nieminen finished well to make it 9-1 at 55:53, while Nick Seitz scored the final goal of the game after an excellent pass from Mike Regush.