After spotting the home team a 2 goal lead, Flames recovered with 4 unanswered, including a pair of 3rd period powerplay goals, then a last minute empty netter to bank a 4-2 win at Nottingham Panthers.
Cooper Zech in the 7th minute put Panthers in front and just inside the last 2 minutes, Zsombor Garat doubled their lead.
The 2nd period was getting short on time before Flames cut their deficit in half on the strength of a Matt Alvaro marker to complete 40 minutes a goal off Panthers’ pace.
Early in the 3rd, Flames needed just 9 seconds of powerplay time to convert the man advantage and level the score at a pair each. After a couple of failed extra man tries that followed, Flames got another inside the back 5 minutes and Jack Jacome made it count to give Flames a 3-2 lead before he added the vacated cage insurance marker 21 seconds from close.
“That was a big win,” said Paul Dixon.
“We did not enter on a great roll recently. I have time and again mentioned that we have had opportunities late in games, especially on the powerplay, and have failed to take advantage, but credit where credit is due and the guys made the most of their chances tonight with a couple of 3rd period powerplay goals that were the difference in the game.”
“Panthers are one of the best teams in the league and it is a big boost for us to get tonight’s points that hopefully we can as a tailwind going into the weekend’s games.”
