Panthers return to form with big win

04 Dec 2013 | Ollie Hampson

The Nottingham Panthers suffered a mixed weekend, failing to score in a 5 - 0 loss on Saturday, then narrowly winning on Sunday. But last night they returned to form with a big win.

The Panthers welcomed the league leading Belfast Giants to the National Ice Centre last night, trying to capitalise on their games in hand after two European apperances.

Leigh Salters gave Nottingham the lead midway through the first with a powerplay strike at 9.07, then David Clarke added his 16th of the year late in the first to make it 2 - 0 after one period of play.

Belfast looked to start the second period strong which is exactly what they did. Just 79 seconds in and they drew one goal back, Craig Peacock grabbed his fifth of the season, but the Panthers quickly re-opened their two goal cushion.

Matt Francis made it 3 - 1 with Nottinghams second powerplay goal of the night, before Leigh Salters made it 4 - 1 with his second of the night.

Peacock scored again just over a minute after Salters second, but again the Panthers responded quickly. Robert Lachowicz made it 5 - 2 late in the second giving them a comfortable advantage with 20 minutes to play.

Much like the second, Belfast scored quickly. This time Calvin Elfring scored on the powerplay but again Nottingham responded.

Jonathan Boxhill made it 6 - 3 shortly after the Giants goal, and then new signing Petr Kalus made it 7 - 3 with just over 10 minutes to play.

The game was put well out of reach as Chris Capraro scored his eigth of the season and the Panthers fourth powerplay goal of the night giving last years champions an 8 - 3 win over the league leaders.

The win draws Nottingham up to fifth spot in the EIHL, level with the Sheffield Steelers with 24 points. The win also means the gap between fifth place and second place is just two points.

Panthers Man of the Match - # 7 Rob Lachowicz (1 Goal, 1 Assist)

Giants Man of the Match - # 71 Craig Peacock (2 Goals)