Richardson's double takes Panthers top of Elite League

NOTTINGHAM Panthers moved to the top of the Elite League but were made to work by visitors Edinburgh Capitals.

The Scottish side raced into a two-goal first period lead through the in-form Simon Lambert and Neil Hay.

But the Panthers responded with four unanswered goals - Dominic D'Amour, Jade Galbraith, David Clarke and Bruce Richardson all netting.

Lambert reduced arrears with three minutes on the clock but Richardson banked his second when he swept into an empty net, Edinburgh pulling their goalie in search of an equaliser.

Coventry's Greg Chambers netted the only goal in a penalty shoot-out as the Midlanders edged past hosts Newcastle Vipers.

Blaze took the lead when Luke Fulghum fired home early on - an advantage that Ryan Mahrie cancelled out just two minutes later.

Mike Berry put Vipers ahead before Danny Stewart leveled in the dying seconds of the first period.

The next two periods remained tight but goalless and after the home side missed all three of their penalty shots, Chambers found the net to secure the victory.

Meanwhile, Vipers head coach Rob Wilson - who failed in his bid to bring former Sheffield striker Ryan Finnerty to the club - believes he will unveil a new North American striker, currently playing in Europe, next week.

Elsewhere, Cardiff Devils beat hosts Hull Stingrays 7-5 and Sheffield Steelers edged past Belfast Giants 5-3 in the group stages of the Challenge Cup.