Alternative Match Report: Panthers @ Clan

Alternative Match Report: Panthers @ Clan

An enthralling first leg of the EIHL 2010/2012 Play Off Quarter Final saw Nottingham Panthers gain the upper hand with a win by the odd goal in 9.

In front of a packed Braehead crowd, both teams set their intent to go for the jugular early on. Buoyed by the noisy spectators, both teams created half chances in the opening exchanges before Nottingham drew first blood.

Meyers scored the all important first goal of the game, bringing cheers from their travelling support and jeers from the Purple Army. Clan dominated most of the period as indiscipline by the Panthers left them men down on more than one occasion. However, Braehead huffed and puffed but couldn't break Kowalski, until Chaumont finished from Cook's lay off to tie the game.

Soon after, a 3 on 3 brawl ensued, spilling over to Clarke and Noel having a joust. Noel was at disadvantage for most of the spar as Clarke pulled on his visor as refs failed to attend the 2. All 6 men picked up penalty minutes, allowing Panthers coach Corey Neilson to score from distance. The period ended with some more argy bargy, setting up a tense 2nd 20.

Within 22 seconds of the restart, Panthers increased their lead in fortuitous circumstances. A high shot from Bellamy should have been comfortable for Perras, but the puck spun off his glove, over his head and slid over the line. 3-1 and Panthers were cruising. The game of hockey is a fickle mistress though and 2 penalties 10 seconds apart swung the game in Braeheads favour.

Clan made no mistake on making the PPs count in the 2nd as with 5v3, Cook pulled it back to 3-2, before Krestanovich had the home fans on their feet with Clan's second leveller of the night. Momentum was now with the home side as Richardson tried to play mind games with Beauregard as the clock ticked down.

The final period could have swung either way as both teams looked to get a foothold on this quarter final. Just when it seemed each side would cancel each other out, Richardson was put through on Kowalski after Panthers lost the puck on their blue line. The Coach of The Year Nominee made no mistake as Braehead Arena erupted. Chants of Richardson's Purple Army and You're Not Singing Anymore echoed around as the Clan lapped up their comeback efforts. But, just as Panthers capitulated in the second, the same fate befell Braehead.

Phillips and Bruce were binned for holding and slashing respectively, giving Nottingham a 5 on 3 then 5 on 4 advantage where Clarke and Ryan contributed a goal a piece.

5-4 Panthers with just over 10 minutes left, and only some heroics from Perras, making up for his earlier gaffe, kept it at that. At the opposite end, Kowalski and his D- Men did well to shut Clan out on the powerplay. Both coaches called time outs but no masterplans were hatched by either team.

In the end, Panthers ran out 5-4 victors, taking a 1 goal lead in to tomorrows crucial second leg. Neilson and Wedderburn picked up the MOTMs.

Upon leaving the Arena, fans trooped past Braehead's newly acquired Aladdin Cup. Upon entering the arena next season, there may be 2 shiny trophies greeting the supporters.

Nottingham were only just worthy of their win, but if Braehead can play to their potential, they should make it to next weekends Play Off Finals.