Flames book their spot at last four weekend in Nottingham after late goal secures win over Panthers

Guildford Flames booked their place in the end of season play-off weekend at Nottingham after defeating the Nottingham Panthers 7-6 on aggregate.

The first leg of the quarter-final at the Spectrum on Saturday finished all square 4-4 with everything to play for in Sunday’s second leg at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham.

A shade over five minutes into the opening period saw Panthers nudge ahead on aggregate with the opening goal of the game when Christophe Boivin netted. However, Flames hit back when Levi Cable levelled the tie on the night and on aggregate.

In the second period, the Flames had a couple of opportunities to convert a power-play goal but were thwarted by the hosts. The home side retook the lead when Jeremy Welsh scored at 28:20 to give the hosts another advantage.

Following this, the third period saw a lot of pressure from Guildford as they tried to draw level. With just over five minutes remaining it looked like Nottingham would be the side to book a semi-final date next weekend on home ice until Flames hit back with two goals inside the final five minutes.

Turner Ripplinger netted on 55:31 to level the score on the night and on aggregate. Barely two minutes later Cable grabbed his second of the game to give Flames a 3-2 lead and a 7-6 advantage on aggregate. It was the first time in the entire two-legged affair that Guildford had led in the contest.

Despite the Panthers throwing everything at Flames and netminder Kevin Lindskoug pulling off two superb saves in the closing moments, it was Guildford who were celebrating at the end of an absorbing contest.

Flames Coach Paul Dixon was understandably thrilled at the prospect of Guildford taking part in the final four weekend.

“What a pair of games!” exclaimed Paul Dixon.  “Every guy just kept coming no matter what the situation, and 6 different times over the 2 games we were trailing, and until the end never even had a lead.”
“They just were not going to be denied and they finally got what they deserved with a couple of goals late to push us into the finals weekend.”
“It is a pretty exciting moment for all of them, and the club, and we will enjoy the feeling before setting up a training week ahead of coming back here next weekend for the big event.”

Guildford will now face Cardiff Devils in the second semi-final on Saturday after Belfast Giants are up against Dundee Stars in the first semi-final at 3 pm.

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