Panthers come from behind again, log 4-point weekend

Photo: Flyers Images

Nottingham Panthers logged a four-point weekend with a come-from-behind win over Fife Flyers in Kirkcaldy, scoring three in the final nine minutes to skate away with a 4-2 victory.

"It’s always good to have a four point weekend," said Kristoff Kontos who hit the game winner. |It’s a long trip up for us so to come out with the two points is a big deal."

Although the opening period ended scoreless, both teams could have made a good chase to be ahead after 20 minutes. The Panthers draw Janis Voris into several excellent saves, including scooping one off the goal line, denying a 2-on-1, and getting across to stop Cooper Zech at the fast post. At the other end, Jason Grande needed to be alert as the Flyers had long spells in his side’s zone. Their best chance was an odd-man rush which saw the final shot go wide, although several loose pucks around Grande’s net caused the Panthers’ defense problems.

The Panthers did take the lead in period two. A smart Sam Herr pass set up Mitchell Fossier to finish high past Voris 5:12 into period two to break the deadlock. Voris made a wonderful save to keep his side just one behind when he stopped Reid Stefanson with a point-blank blocker save as the Panthers broke through 2-on-1.

Former Panther Massimo Carozza levelled the game at 32:28 when Ryan Foss' pass into the slot set up Carozza for a nice finish past Grande. Almost exactly six minutes later, the home side then took the lead. Skating shorthanded, Kieran Craig’s initial shot was saved but the loose puck fell kindly for him to have a second bite and beat Grande low to make it 2-1.

Having killed off two penalties at the start of period three, the Flyers then saw one hit the back of their net. Zsombor Garát's shot snuck through Voris to tie the game at 50:39, although the Latvian goalie would have wanted it back. Just over a minute later, Kris Kontos gave the Panthers the lead with a well-worked routine off a faceoff, being found at the fat post by Cooper Zech after the Flyers lost their coverage at 51:46.

"It’s been a few games since I’ve scored, it was weighing on me a little but. With that kind of time left it was definitely nice, too," added Kontos. "We have a big Cup game on Wednesday now that we need to get rested for, and be ready to get back at it."

Fife had two poweprlay chances to get back level, including a very short 5-on-3, but didn't force Grande into any serious saves. With 97 seconds to go the home side call a timeout, took Voris to the bench and went with the six skaters. Lucas Chiodo's shot caused some problems in front of Grande but the Panthers defended well to keep the Flyers out. Otto Nieminen fired into the empty net off a Matt Spencer pass with 49 seconds remaining to wrap it up.