NOTTINGHAM, UK. The Panthers reasserted their presence in the leading group by taking points away from key rivals the Belfast Giants and league leaders the Braehead Clan in two confident victories, 4-0 and 6-3 respectively. A shootout loss to the Coventry Blaze tainted the impressive form but five points from six is not an easy feat in the EIHL this year.
New signings Colby Cohen and Guillaume Doucet dominated on the ice in all three games and have demonstrated a will to win that has inspired the entire team. British forward Robert Farmer is in the form of his career whilst the goalie tandem of Matias Modig and Craig Kowalski has ensured that the Panthers are consistently strong between the pipes.
Injuries are the ever present thorn in head coach Corey Neilson’s side with Bruce Graham, David Clarke, Mark Lee, Max Parent and Cody Wild making up an entire line and defensive pairing of key players that are out of action. Defencemen Wild did make a brief return against the Blaze but took a hit to the head that sees him out of the game with concussion for the second time in as many weeks.
I would never say that an injury is positive for a team but there has certainly been a response on the ice. Not only have new guys Doucet and Cohen plugged the gaps left by those hurt but the entire Panthers roster have raised their game to ensure that injuries or not, the Panthers are still a major contender going forward. Forward Parent could make his return this weekend adding to the depth of skill Neilson has available to play with.
The Belfast Giants head into Robin Hood country this weekend for a double header, at present the Panthers have a game in hand on them and are a point above them in the standings. Four points would put five points between and relieve pressure from at least one front for Nottingham, that being said they will not be easy points and the Giants will want revenge after being shut out 4-0 at home by the Panthers.
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