Stojanovic is a Rok at the back in Panthers’ victory

ROK Stojanovic secured a 29-shot shutout as Nottingham Panthers picked up a huge two points in the Elite League playoff race with a 1-0 victory against Fife Flyers in Kirkcaldy.

Victory for the Panthers reduces the gap on the playoff places to four points with four games remaining in the season.

Captain Mike Caruso returned after missing the past five games but Carl Neill, Jake Ryczek and Logan Neilson all missed out because of injury.

Panthers forward Mathieu Lemay had a chance inside the first minute but his shot was saved by Shane Owen, while Joe Hazeldine and Otto Nieminen also went close.

Fife dominated much of the first period and Stojanovic made a number of top-class saves including one to deny Johan Eriksson from closerange.

Owen made an outstanding glove save above his head as he was falling to the ice to stop Roy from close-range, while Nieminen and Jordan Kelsall were denied in quick succession as Panthers made a strong start to the second session.

Flyers forward Lucas Chiodo pinged the pipes and Stojanovic made two closerange saves on the same play but clear-cut chances continued to be limited for both sides.

Chiodo hit the post for a second time early in the third period as Fife went close again, before Roy fed Nieminen, who skillfully beat his man and put away his own rebound to give Panthers the lead (46:27).

Owen stopped a Anthony Luciani breakaway as Nottingham looked for a second on the next shift.

The Flyers piled on the pressure in the closing stages – and lifted Owen for the extra outskater – but Stojanvoic turned away all 29 shots that came his way.

Coventry Blaze visit the Motorpoint Arena tonight (7pm) before the Panthers face Glasgow Clan at home on Monday (4pm).