Blaze move top as Viper sniper downs Panthers

NOTTINGHAM Panthers saw their Elite League lead last less than 24 hours after a dramatic turn of fortunes.

Newcastle Vipers won 2-1 to leapfrog them and, reflecting just how tight the league is, Coventry Blaze moved top with a 5-2 win over Hull Stingrays.

Panthers were clearly feeling the effects from their high-octane clash against arch-rivals Sheffield Steelers the previous night.

Nearly 7,000 home fans cheered them to victory then but Nottingham's away record is simply not good enough.  They have now slumped to five consecutive defeats on the road.

Former Nottingham goalie Michel Robinson was in inspired form for Newcastle, who took the lead when Matus Petricko fired home.

Sean McAslan equalised but a 39th minute penalty shot by sniper Mike Berry settled the encounter and secured Newcastle their third straight win.

All-time leading Elite League scorer Adam Calder was again on form for Blaze, grabbing his second double in consecutive nights.

Luke Fulghum, Greg Owen and Derek Cambell also netted for Coventry while Stephen Burns scored a double for Stingrays.

Cardiff Devils had to wait for victory as their clash with Belfast was delayed for two hours after the Giants late arrival in the Welsh capital.

Belfast's Evan Cheverie broke the deadlock with a shorthanded strike but Matt Towe levelled it and Jay Latulipe struck in the first minute of overtime to secure a 2-1 victory.