Thu 1 Jan 2026 - 8:45PM
1ST JANUARY 2026: BLAZE 3-4 PANTHERS
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Nottingham Panthers returned to the top of the Elite League table with a 4-3 overtime victory at Coventry Blaze.
With Cardiff Devils losing 5-3 at home to Guildford Flames and Sheffield Steelers beaten 3-0 on the road at Manchester Storm this was a huge two points for the Panthers.
Mitch Fossier and Brendan Harris both missed the game because of injury. Defenceman Jakob Stridsberg came into the line-up against his former club, while Cooper Zech and Kevin Carr were the healthy scratches. Jason Grande started between the pipes with Luca Sheldon as back-up.
Blaze lead at first intermission
Chances were limited for both sides in the first period with Panthers going close through Bryan Lemos and Chase Pearson.
Grande made good saves to deny Sam Ruffin and Elijiah Barriga, but Blaze went ahead through Grant Mismash's neat finish from the left-circle (16:48).
Powerplay goals by Alfaro and Pearson put Panthers ahead
Finlay Ulrick and Matt Alfaro had chances as Panthers found some rhythm while at the other end, Grande made great stops on Grayson Constable and Alessio Luciani.
The equaliser arrived on the powerplay as Lemos put the puck into the danger zone in the slot and Alfaro reacted first to score low past Mat Robson (33:07).
Panthers went ahead on the man-advantage when Matt Marcinew's shot from right-point was saved and Pearson dug out the rebound to force the puck past Robson (37:26)
Marcinew sends game to overtime
The hosts drew level through Jere Vertanen's absolute bullet from just inside the blueline (46:22) and went ahead when Alessio Luciani forced the puck over the line after a huge goalmouth scramble on the powerplay (49:55).
Panthers scored their third powerplay goal of the night when Marcinew smashed home a rebound from the right-circle (51:37).
Noël wins it in overtime
Panthers secured the extra point late in overtime on the powerplay as David Noël scored his fifth goal in four matches.
Set-up by Tim Doherty, Noël produced a trademark blast from just inside the blueline to secure the extra point for the Panthers (64:19).
Back at home Saturday and Sunday
The busy festive and new year period continues with back-to-back home matches for the Panthers this weekend.
There's very limited tickets remaining for the visit of Guildford Flames to the Motorpoint Arena on Saturday (3rd January). The game - which faces-off at 19:00 - is sponsored by Lake Energy.
We're also at home on Sunday (4th January) against Glasgow Clan (17:00). This match is sponsored by MKM Building and the arena bowl is already well over three-quarters full. Family Tickets are available on Sunday which offer discounted admission compared to standard admission. For Family Tickets please select Block 8 or Block 12.