Panthers claw way to victory to stun Blaze

JORDAN

- By CRAIG SUMMERTON

Netminder Mat Robson in the thick of the action for the Coventry Blaze against the Panthers PIX: SCOTT STEVENS

(SCOTT STEVENS)

Power admitted the Genting Casino Coventry Blaze need to learn how to close out tight games after going down to Nottingham Panthers in overtime in a dramatic start to 2026.The Blaze collected a point on New Year's Day but fell on the wrong side of a powerplay battle in front of a huge Skydome Arena crowd.

The hosts twice led but goals from Grant Mismash, Jere Vertanen and Alessio Luciani were not enough.

"It was a good hockey game, and a good series against a really good team," said Blaze's recent arrival Power. "I thought we played hard, got pucks in deep.

"It was tough to fall in overtime, we have to try and close those games out, but it's a learning curve for us to try and get those wins on home ice, especially with a lead."

Coventry made one change to the lineup that had produced a stunning comeback victory in Nottingham the night before, with Vertanen replacing Ivan Chukarov on the blue line.