Panthers power into Cup Semis

Photo: Panthers Images

Nottingham Panthers clinched the final place in the Challenge Cup Semi-Finals with a comprehensive 5-1 win over Glasgow Clan at the Motorpoint Arena.

In the one-off, winner takes all Elimination Game, the Panthers were the quicker team out of the blocks and forced Landon Bow into some good early stops to keep the game level. At 13:20 the Panthers thought they'd taken the lead, but the goal was reviewed as the puck entered the net off Didrik Henbrant's stick. For the first time in the Elite League, the review decision was made remotely in the EIHL Situation Room, calling the goal back for a distinct kicking motion.

As the play was on a delayed penalty, Steven Seigo entered the box and the Panthers never looked back. Sam Herr netted from close range just 13 seconds later, and 38 seconds after that Cooper Zech's shot flew past Bow to make it 2-0.  Clan had a pushback as the period wound down with a couple of odd-man rushes, but couldn't find a way past Jason Grande.

A wonderful Mitch Heard snipe pulled Clan back to within one just 2:11 into period two, before Clan shot themselves in the foot somewhat. The visitors filed to take advantage of a 3-on-1 rush up the ice, and then saw the Panthers come back the other way on a 2-on-1 where Mitchell Fossier fired high into Bow's net to make it 3-1 at 29:29. Prior to that play, Tyson McLellan had an excellent point-blank chance to level the game but shot into Grande when the top of the net was open.

When Matt Alvaro made it 4-1 5:51 into period three, the tie was as good as over. Hugo Roy added a fifth which is where the scoring ended, and the Panthers took a solid home win to keep their Challenge Cup campaign alive.