GAME THREAD: Panthers v Steelers: Saturday: CUP

[mark]

Genuine rivalry or over-hyped ?, a visit to the (I wish the playoffs were in Manchester instead of ) NIC.

[mark]

Result

Panthers 3-2 Steelers

We had enough of the play to have won that.

[Bryan]

When you are on the PK and have faceoffs in your zone that you lose it just kills you.!

[MLL79]

Couldn’t agree more @mark - was surprised to see the stats looking in favour on Nottingham as I thought, although they had spells, we were the superior team. Kind of clearly so for much longer spells.

[Bryan]

SOG 26-19 in favour of Panthers

[greeny]

Not seen the game,,,,, but thought they were going to lose by a bigger margin than they did prior to the game, but a loss is a loss no matter what

[sunnybank]

Thought we were by far the better team, but not clinical. Being the better team or playing nicer hockey doesn’t win games. I don’t think we shoot enough, and I think that opinion is vindicated by the fact they outshot us heavily but I would imagine we had the possession and also the puck in their zone a hell of a lot more than the other way.

Couple of silly mistakes cost us. Could do with someone who can just leather it in to be honest.

Again thought at times we were a bit soft.

[Doom]

Just having a look at the match stats, which I'm not convinced are always correct.

Overall Panthers were 1.20 for expected goals and we were 0.99. No period was dominated by one team, we edged the 1st and Panthers edged the 2nd and 3rd. You'd expect Panthers to be ahead on xg in the 3rd, because they had the two powerplay opportunities.

I'd say on the stats it looked a very even game.

Faceoffs finished 28 to 21 in favour of Nottingham. We still don't seem to have got a grip of these.

Best at faceoffs for us was Rockwood winning 5 out of 7. Worst was Whistle with 6 out of 17. Spencer Naas won 7 of his 8 for them.

On the +/-, our best was Collins with +2 and worst Rockwood with -2.

If we want to finish top 3 in our group, I think tonight becomes a must win game now.

Regards

Doom

[mark]

Stats don't always indicate how a game has been played. There were significant periods where it looked more like a Steelers powerplay so good was our offensive zone possession and the passing was quick and accurate, this was still an improved performance compared to some this season. The impact of missing the best British player in the league was also a factor, Dowd logs plenty of ice time and is usually worth a point a game. I don't like losing at any time but that was not a disappointing performance, just a disappointing result.

[Bryan]

The game and steelers in particular was crying out for a Dowd. Someone to show some real spirit and take charge.

[Doom]

I don't like losing at any time but that was not a disappointing performance, just a disappointing result.

That's how I see it.

We've had some disappointing performances this season, but based on the stats and reports from those watching the game it sounds like we played well last night.

I hope Fox sticks with the same lines, because he does have a tendency to change things after a defeat.

Regards

Doom