Nottingham Panthers 3-5 Guildford Flames (Elite League) 10.04.22

After Saturday night’s win on the road at Coventry, Sunday turned to defeat again for the Panthers who lose for the fourth time in five Elite League matches.

The home side produced a sterling comeback in the third period but fell just short after a flat first two thirds of the match against the Guildford Flames at the Motorpoint Arena.

Will Kerlin got the start in goal for the Panthers opposite Liam Hughes for the Flames.

Guildford took the lead through Jamal Watson (7.52), the defenceman’s shot taking multiple deflections on it’s way beyond Kerlin, before Jake Bolton (9.02) doubled the visitor’s lead.

Nottingham huffed & puffed in the second half of the period but couldn’t find a way past Hughes and it was the Flames who took a two-goal lead into the third period.

When Kerlin was given a tripping penalty Guildford increased their lead, Ian Watters (29.31) converting on the powerplay.

The visitors then added to their lead when Chris Gerrie (32.53) hit the back of the net to send them into the final period holding a four-goal advantage.

Jeremy Welsh (43.17) gave the Panthers a glimmer of hope when he tucked home a rebound early in the third period before getting himself on the board again just over ten minutes later (53.09), this time whipping a quick finish high into the Flames’ net.

Nottingham made things even more interesting when Matt Lane (58.33) made it a one-goal game late on, his quick shot from the slot beating Hughes to breathe fresh life into the crowd inside the Motorpoint Arena.

Guildford sucked that life back out though as Ian McNulty (58.58) scored into the empty net, with Kerlin pulled in favour of the extra attacker, to seal the two Premier Sports Elite League points on offer.

Just two games left for the fourth placed Panthers to complete their campaign before the playoffs start. Coventry Blaze who still have ambitions to leapfrog Nottingham in the table at home on Wednesday is followed by a trip to Cardiff Devils who have already secured third on Sunday.

*Main image @PanthersIHC an away win for Guildford as Panthers regular season nears completion.