Ice Hockey: Panthers pounce to stay on track for title

Greg Hollister
Tuesday 06 January 2004 01:00 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Nottingham Panthers maintained their status at the top of the Elite League on Sunday night thanks to an unusually low-scoring contest at Manchester Phoenix.

A brace of goals from David Struch and Lee Jinman gave the visitors a 2-0 win, with the Panthers netminder Niklas Sundberg achieving a 20-shot shut-out against Phoenix, who had Miroslav Skovira ejected for tripping.

However, second-placed Sheffield Steelers kept the pressure on Nottingham with a comprehensive 6-2 win at injury-hit Coventry Blaze. Hilton Ruggles gave the hosts the lead. Mike Peron levelled for the Blaze on the powerplay but then Steve Ellis, Joel Irving, Ryan Lake and Erik Anderson, who scored twice, turned things around to make Joel Poirier's powerplay effort for Coventry a mere consolation.

Sheffield and Nottingham are tied at the top of the League with 36 points, but the Steelers are in a good position with three games in hand.

Elsewhere, a strong final period from Cardiff Devils saw them come back to beat London Racers 4-2.

Mojmir Musil and Mark Scott had twice put the visitors ahead, but Jeff Burgoyne and Jeff Brown rewarded the Devils after Jonathan Phillips' opener, before the latter sealed the points with an empty net goal 13 seconds from time.

The night before London picked up only their fourth point of the season when they took Basingstoke to extra time before eventually going down 5-4.

On the same night, Belfast Giants claimed a 3-1 win at home to Cardiff Devils.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in