The Genting Casino Coventry Blaze fell to a 6-2 defeat against the Nottingham Panthers at Motorpoint Arena in the Elite League on Saturday.
Blaze handed a debut to Canadian defenceman Brady Pouteau, while Assistant Coach Zach Vinnell remained in the line-up due to the absence of Estonian forward Morten Jurgens.
The Panthers took the lead early when British defenceman Josh Tetlow jumped into the play and fired past Mat Robson for his first goal of the season at 4.30.
Coventry responded swiftly, as dynamic duo Mike Regush and Chase Gresock combined to level the score at 6.10. Gresock netted his league-leading 23rd goal and 44th point, with Regush registering his league-best 30th assist.
However, the Panthers quickly regained the lead, with captain Sam Herr scoring just 26 seconds later. Nottingham had an opportunity to extend their advantage at 12.50 when they were awarded a penalty shot, but Kristoff Kontos’ five-hole attempt was denied by the impressive Robson.
The second period was a tense affair, with chances at both ends. Just before the halfway mark, tempers flared as Tetlow and Blaze assistant captain Grayson Constable dropped the gloves following a big hit on Mitchell Fossier.
Later, Brandon Alderson was assessed a four-minute penalty for slashing and unsportsmanlike conduct, giving the Panthers another golden opportunity. However, Blaze’s penalty kill stood firm, providing Coventry with momentum as Jason Grande made crucial saves to keep the deficit at one heading into the third period.
Coventry came close to equalising, but Terrance Amorosa’s shot found the net just a second after the buzzer.
Nottingham capitalised early in the final period, as Tim Doherty redirected a Matt Spencer shot to make it 3-1 at 41.26. Doherty then doubled his tally at 45.28, finishing a well-spotted pass from Didrik Henbrant. The Panthers extended their lead further at 47.41 when mid-season acquisition Fossier found the net for 5-1.
Blaze managed a consolation goal with 6.24 remaining when Alessio Luciani set up Zach Heintz who finished clinically. However, any hopes of a comeback were extinguished at 56.08 when Reid Stefanson broke away to seal the Panthers’ 6-2 victory.
Photo credit: Panthers Images
