Fox delivers play-off success for Panthers

Panthers, who had already won the Elite League title and Challenge Cup, lifted their third play-off success in a row courtesy of Fox’s powerplay marker at 68.02 after Giants were called for too many men on the ice.

They are only the second side in the Elite League era to win three trophies in one season after Coventry Blaze in 2004-05.

Goaltenders Craig Kowalski [Panthers] and Stephen Murphy [Giants] were in inspired form in the first period while Bruce Graham somehow shot wide with the goal gaping for Panthers.

Murphy pulled off a stunning glove save to keep out David Clarke but Panthers went ahead in fortuitous circumstances on the powerplay at 28.43 when Robert Lachowicz’s shot landed on top of the goal and the puck then bounced up and hit Murphy on the back before dropping into the net.

Panthers went on to dominate the second period and Murphy denied Clarke again and made another fantastic stop from Kelsey Wilson moments after Giants wasted a great chance to level when a pass failed to find an unmarked Greg Stewart at the back post.

But with 28 seconds of the second period remaining Jonathan Weaver blasted a shot past Murphy on the powerplay to put Panthers in control.

Giants, though, clawed themselves back in the game with a powerplay strike of their own from Robby Sandrock at 44.53 and were soon level when Kevin Saurette converted a rebound at 47.54.

Both sides had to kill penalties at the end of regulation time before one penalty too many cost Giants as Fox found the winner with seven seconds of the powerplay remaining.

Earlier in the day, Coventry Blaze – who lost to Belfast in Saturday’s semi-finals – claimed the bronze medal by beating Cardiff Devils 11-5, a fitting send-off for departing Blaze coach Paul Thompson.