ELITE SERIES: Manchester Storm take on the Nottingham Panthers at Motorpoint Arena Nottingham in Elite Series action! Buy the webcast HERE! Face-off is 19:00 Wednesday 21st April.

First period

A game of numbers meant Storm fighting for second position in the Elite Series table on Monday night. 

Jackson Whistle was starter in net for the Panthers against Bonar for Storm.

Gran got first chances for Storm on a breakaway, shut out by Whistle.

Panthers were first on the board when Betteridge beat the defence, scoring through the five-hole of Bonar at 05:51, unassisted.

There were further chances for Storm when Long got through the defence, but was denied by Whistle. 

With a player in the penalty box for Bonar, who was handed a slashing penalty, Dineen scored on the powerplay for Panthers via a one timer at 17:43, assisted by Talbot-Tassi. 

Second period 

Perlini fed the puck to Domingue, who scored the third goal for Panthers at 22:52.

By the halfway point, Storm pushed forward hoping to score their first. Ehrhardt and Davies got chances but were denied by Whistle.

Storm went on the powerplay when Ellis was handed a holding penalty at 28:58. Moments later, Lake was handed a 2+10 penalty for checking to the head at 31:33, followed by Critchlow for roughing at 31:53. Storm held strong, keeping out any fourth goal for Panthers.

An influx of penalties were handed out to a trio of Panthers players, giving Storm an extended 5on3 powerplay.

Garside received a penalty for hooking at 36:09, Kelsall for tripping at 36:54 and Lachowics for crosschecking at 37:32.

Storm’s first goal was sealed on the powerplay by Lundell Noer on the back door of Whistle, on a pass from Gran at 38:10.

Third period 

Dominigue scored Panthers’ fourth goal and his second of the game via a top shelf shot through traffic at 43:06, assisted by Perlini. 

Tetlow in the box for holding at 47:49, gave Storm a chance to close the gap. 

Simmonds Long and Critchlow were in excellent formation on the powerplay, Critchlow scoring his first of the series at 48:23.

Storm closed a gap in the scoreline when Simmonds scored in the crease, on a pass from Fawcett around the net at 52:45. 

A penalty to Klavestad for holding in the final two minutes of play meant Storm looked unable to pull Bonar for an extra skater.

However, with 33 seconds to go Cangelosi was sent to the box for holding, Storm put an extra skater on, but Panthers were quick to defend, the final result 4-3 to Panthers. 

The fixtures are coming thick and fast this week which see’s us compete in the final three ‘regular’ season fixtures. Wednesday evening see’s us take on Nottingham Panthers once again, will it be repeat or revenge for Manchester? As of writing, we’re still just one point off top spot and 5 games in 7 days means things can change quickly with a chance to finish top of the #2021EliteSeries table at stake. Manchester hope to finish strong, make a statement and take momentum into the semi-finals which start next week.

ELITE SERIES: Manchester Storm take on the Nottingham Panthers at Motorpoint Arena Nottingham in Elite Series action! Buy the webcast HERE! Face-off is 19:00 Wednesday 21st April.