Manchester Storm beat Nottingham Panthers 2-1 at Planet Ice Altrincham on Saturday evening in one of the most surprising results of the EIHL play-offs, scoring twice in the opening period and holding out through Marcinew's 57:23 consolation to take a first-leg lead over the competition's in-form side. Locke and Hinam scored the first-period goals - each with Locke involved as scorer and then assister in consecutive strikes - and DeRidder produced an excellent display in goal as Nottingham pushed hard throughout the second and third periods without finding the equaliser.
Manchester had lost four of their last five matches heading into this fixture. Nottingham had been title contenders through the final weeks of the regular season and were widely expected to progress. The result sends a clear message about the nature of play-off hockey - and gives Storm a first-leg platform few would have predicted.
Two first-period goals - Locke and Hinam score within three minutes
Locke opened the scoring at 10:14 from Haden and Nardi to give Manchester the lead. Hinam added the second at 13:43 from Locke and Ulett - Locke assisting the second goal he had scored in the same period - to make it 2-0 before the halfway point of the first period. Nottingham could not respond before the first break and went into the interval two goals behind in a quarter-final they expected to control.
Second period - Nottingham penalised twice, nothing converted
The second period produced no goals despite Nottingham being penalised twice. Betteridge received a kneeing call at 33:02 and Volcan a tripping at 38:58, but Manchester killed both power plays. DeRidder was impressive throughout, dealing cleanly with Nottingham's best chances and denying Pearson, Fossier and Marcinew - the most dangerous of Nottingham's attacking combinations - repeatedly. The period ended 2-0 to Manchester.
Marcinew pulls one back - but Storm hold firm
Marcinew scored at 57:23 from Pearson and Fossier to make it 2-1 and give Nottingham a lifeline with under three minutes remaining. Nottingham pushed for the equaliser but couldn't find it, and Manchester held on to take a 1-0 series lead into the second leg.
Carr in the Nottingham goal had little to do in the first period when it mattered most and couldn't prevent the two first-period strikes that settled the first leg.
Result: Manchester Storm 2 – 1 Nottingham Panthers
Manchester Storm scorers: Locke 10:14 (A: Haden, Nardi) - Hinam 13:43 (A: Locke, Ulett)
Nottingham Panthers scorers: Marcinew 57:23 (A: Pearson, Fossier)
Goaltenders: Drew DeRidder (MAN) | Kevin Carr (NOT)