Nottingham Panthers took a giant step towards the Challenge Cup final after scoring a 4-2 first-leg victory over Sheffield Steelers on Wednesday night.
With three minutes of the semi-final first leg remaining, Sheffield Steelers were facing the embarrassment of being blanked on their home ice by their great rivals, but two late goals have at least given them hope of an unlikely turnaround.
Panthers will however now be firm favourites as they attempt to win the Challenge Cup for a third time in seven seasons of Elite League competition.
Nottingham were in command almost from the off and gained a clear advantage by taking the opening period 3-0. New signing Jay Henderson fired Panthers ahead on his debut at 9.37 on the powerplay and further strikes from Cameron Mann and Marty Gascon put the vistors in control.
Steelers attempted a recovery in the middle session but despite firing 14 shots on Kevin St Pierre between the Panthers pipes they could not make the breakthrough and the period saw no addition to the scoreline.
When David Clarke made it 4-0 to Panthers at 41.25 a long night for the home support seemed to be extending but then came the late recovery that still gives Dave Matsos' men hope.
Joey Talbot's 27th goal of the season ended St Pierre's shutout hopes at 57.00 and then only 40 seconds later Steelers were awarded a penalty shot which Jonathan Zion dispatched into the net.
Friday, February 5, 2010
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