Flames start weekend with important road win

Photo: Panthers Images

Guildford Flames began their weekend double-header with Nottingham Panthers with a 4-2 road win at the Motorpoint Arena, putting themselves back six points clear at the top of the Viaplay Elite League. 

It was a solid road performance from the Flames throughout, and they got off to an excellent start when Tristan Frei converted Sam Markland's pass to the top of the crease with 123 seconds played. At 5:13 it got better for the visitors with the speed of Ryan Tait entering the zone to set up Daniel Tedesco for a wrist shot finish from the slot. 

Tanner Sorenson bundled the puck home from close range at 6:05 after a couple of saves from Eamon McAdam on the play.

The Flames re-established their two-goal lead when Ian McNulty broke on a 2-on-1. He opted to shoot instead of pass to Levi Cable, and while the initial shot was saved McNulty followed his own rebound, went behind the goal, and feed Robert Lachowicz to fire home in the slot. 

Hopes of a fightback from the Panthers in the third period were dashed 21 seconds after the restart when Brett Ferguson beat Jack Berry top shelf from the high slot. 

Adam Brady tipped a late effort past McAdam to get the Panthers' second of the night, and despite the home side applying some pressure in the final 57 seconds with the extra skater the Flames held on for the win.