The Genting Casino Coventry Blaze fell to a 5-2 defeat to the Nottingham Panthers in the Elite League at the Motorpoint Arena on Saturday.
Both teams exchanged early chances, with Blaze Man of the Match Grayson Constable forcing two sharp saves from Panthers netminder Kevin Carr inside the opening five minutes. Moments later, the game burst into life with two goals in just 14 seconds.
Didrik Henbrant opened the scoring for Nottingham at 04.39 with a shot from the blue line, but Blaze responded immediately as Matthew Gleason’s effort deflected in off a Panthers stick to level the score at 1-1 at 04.53.
As became the story of the night, Nottingham capitalised on their first powerplay of the game when Chase Pearson scored at 12.04 to make it 2-1 after the opening period.
Coventry started the second period positively, but a sharp passing play from the hosts saw Matt Alfaro set up Mitch Fossier for a one-timer to extend the Panthers’ lead to 3-1 at 21.33.
The Blaze responded well once again, and their persistence paid off when Constable got a piece of Connor Russell’s shot to redirect it past Carr at 25.31, cutting the deficit to 3-2.
Blaze continued to push, drawing a couple of Nottingham penalties, but were unable to convert on their powerplay opportunities as Carr stood tall in goal.
The visitors entered the third period still within reach, but a solo effort from Brendan Harris just 39 seconds in gave Nottingham a crucial two-goal cushion.
Coventry’s hopes of a comeback were dampened when consecutive penalties proved costly, as Ross Armour redirected David Noël’s shot past Mat Robson for the Panthers’ second powerplay marker at 50.45 to seal the 5-2 result.
Photo credit: Panthers Images
