Storm Earn Hard-Fought Point Against Panthers in Thrilling Challenge Cup Clash

Fresh from a thrilling comeback win in Dundee on Wednesday night, the Storm were back in Manchester for a double home-game weekend. First up on Saturday evening were Danny Stewart's Nottingham Panthers, who travelled north for their Challenge Cup group-stage game. The Storm were looking to capitalise on their games in hand and push their way into a qualification spot.

The opening period was a free-flowing affair, with both sides creating some decent chances. However, it was the Storm who scored the only goal of the period, with three minutes remaining. After the Panther's defence man cleared the puck off the goal line, following Karlsson's initial effort, McGauley pounced on the loose puck and fired it into the net unassisted. The goal was reviewed at the next stoppage in play but was quickly confirmed fair.

Nottingham had their first look on the powerplay at the midpoint of the middle frame, but Storm's defensive unit held strong, shutting down any chances. Weninger, between the pipes, pulled off an impressive glove save not long after to maintain the 1-0 scoreline. Following a spell of sustained offensive pressure, the Panthers finally found the equaliser with just 14 seconds remaining in the period. It was O'Brien who tapped the puck home at the back door to send his team into the second intermission all square at 1-1 with all to play for in the final 20.

The third period continued much like the previous two, with plenty of pucks on net, but with both netminders playing out of their skin, goals were hard to come by. With two minutes remaining, the Panthers had a golden opportunity to take a late advantage on what was only the second power play of the game. However, no goal was forthcoming, and with the score tied at 1-1 after regulation, a further five-minute overtime period was required.
Karlsson came agonisingly close to scoring the sudden-death winner, only to be denied by the crossbar. It would take a penalty shootout to finally decide the winner. Unfortunately for the home fans, it was the Nottingham Panthers who claimed the extra point in a highly entertaining match-up.

By: Kristian Stokwisz