Grande shuts out Storm

Photo: Mark Ferris

Nottingham Panthers wrapped up a perfect week with their third win in five days, shutting out Manchester Storm by a 4-0 scoreline in front of 2,117 fans in Altrincham.

Two goals in 17 seconds put the Panthers in control in the Storm Shelter. Didrik Henbrant got on the rebound of a Matt Alfaro shot to open the scoring at 9:26, while on the next play a gorgeous reverse pass from behind the net by Henbrant set up Tim Doherty in front for a neat finish. New Storm goalie David Tendeck helpless to stop either. Tyler Hinam saw a shot go just wide of Jason Grande’s net in Storm’s best chance of the period, but they came up short heading into the break.

Another two-goal haul in the next 20 minutes had the Panthers in complete control. Henbrant was involved for the third straight goal, putting the puck past Tendeck at 37:02 to make it 3-0. Jaakko Niskala made it 4-0 42 seconds before the break to give the Panthers a comfortable lead.

Jason Grande was key for the Panthers and fully deserved his shutout with some excellent stops in the final period. He ended the game with 27 saves for his first shutout in the EIHL.