Panthers suffer a home loss to leaders

NOTTINGHAM Panthers suffered a 4-2 home defeat by Elite League leaders Guildford Flames.

Netminder Jack Berry made his third successive start between the pipes, while Alex Dubeau missed out due to an upper body injury.

The visitors took the lead at 2:03 when Tristan Frei converted a two-on-one break from close range and Daniel Tedesco made it 2-0, firing into the top corner after a swift counter-attack (5:13).

Panthers hit back only 52 seconds later as Tanner Sorenson got the final touch following a huge goalmouth scramble (6:05).

Former Panthers forward Robert Lachowicz fired past Berry after a good pass from behind the net by Ian Mcnulty (28:16) to extend Guildford’s lead.

Berry them made a fine save to deny Peter Crinella who nearly cut inside from the left, before Panthers went close through Mike Hammond.

Brett Ferguson scored 21 seconds into the third period with a sweet top-shelf finish (40:21) to put Guildford in total command.

JC Brassard shot just wide after strong work on the boards by Matthew Myers, before Adam Brady tipped in Mathieu Gagnon’s shot for a late consolation goal (59:03).

Panthers are away against Sheffield Steelers on Saturday (7pm).