A tremendous performance from Panthers netminder Jason Grande saw him shut out the hosts and earn his side a deserved 3–0 victory on the road.

The visiting Panthers struck early when Henbrant was quickest to react to a loose puck in the blue paint after DeRidder was unable to control the rebound. The remainder of the opening period was played out in a relatively serene manner, with both defensive units doing well to prevent sustained attacking pressure from developing.

The hosts failed to capitalise on a pair of power-play opportunities either side of the first intermission. Matters became more difficult at the midpoint of the game when a heavy hit by Ulett resulted in a five-minute major penalty. However, a tremendous effort on the penalty kill by the Storm completely shut down any scoring opportunities for Nottingham. Grande was then called into action late in the second period, standing tall to deny a dangerous effort from the onrushing Caines.

The final period began in much the same fashion as those that preceded it, with both sides battling hard to create clear-cut chances. A decisive double miss in the 54th minute would ultimately cost the hosts any chance of getting on the scoresheet. Hannoun first lost his footing at a crucial moment and was unable to make clean contact from point-blank range, before Nardi failed to find the back of the net on the backhand just seconds later with the goal gaping.

Sensing their opportunity, the Panthers responded swiftly and doubled their lead in the 57th minute as Doherty picked his spot beyond DeRidder. In a desperate attempt to avoid the shutout, Critchlow pulled the netminder, but it proved futile as Alfaro wrapped up proceedings with an empty-net goal to seal the victory.

Words by: Callum Schora