Flames take narrow lead into second leg

Flames 3-2 Panthers

A fast paced first period led to some great end to end action. Guildford were the first to light the lamp for the night just four and a half minutes in. Jack Jacome tipped an original shot from Crocock past Grande. Just over the halfway mark, Mc Adam was tested making two great saves to keep Guildford in the lead. Twelve minutes in, Sam Herr and Marcus Tesink found themselves in a slight scuffle both leading to penalties. Marcus Tesink for holding and Sam Herr for roughing. With both players out of action for two minutes the play remained equal with both teams having great opportunities. Just under 4 mins left in the first period Nottingham equalised. Tim Doherty found himself in a great spot in front of the net to play the puck around and slot it between the five hole of Eamon Mc Adam. Scoreline level going into the first period break. 

The second period begun with Nottingham dominating the play with some great chances to take the lead. Twelve minuets in Sam Jones received a penalty for holding. Within the final minuet of the powerplay Nottingham scored, some great passes around the net set up Tim Doherty for his second of the night giving Nottingham the lead for the first time tonight.

Guildford responded quickly finding themselves on the run of play. Daniel Catenacci sending the puck over to set up Daniel Tedesco to put it past Jason Grande. During the shot the goal was knocked off the net but after review, it was confirmed a good goal. Once again both teams going into the break tied for goals.

Coming out into the final period Nottingham continued to pile on the pressure, forcing Eamon Mc Adam to keep the scoreline at 2-2. In the eleventh minute Ryan Tait brought the puck into the offensive zone, which Ethan Strang successfully put past Jason Grande putting the Flames back in the lead. Despite Nottingham being down a goal they remained focus on the task at hand. Shortly after Jordan Kelsall received a penalty for boarding putting Guildford on the powerplay. Jason Grande made sure to keep the puck out of the net to give Guildford a further advantage. With four minutes left on the clock Danny Stewart called a timeout. Nottingham made the most of the final minutes, applying as much pressure as possible but Eamon Mc Adam and his defensemen remind firm to go into the second leg of the playoff quarter finals with a one goal advantage.