HC Panter secured a place in the playoffs
HC Panter qualified for the playoffs of the Optibet Ice Hockey League after defeating HS Riga.
In a decisive match held in Riga, HC Panter emerged victorious against HS Riga, confirming their spot in the playoffs of the Optibet Ice Hockey League. The game began with intense action, as Rasmus Kiige scored just two minutes into the match, giving the visitors an early lead that was soon extended by Vadim Vasyonkin five minutes later. By the end of the first period, HC Panter held a comfortable two-goal advantage.
The second period saw the home team making a slight comeback, scoring their first and only goal six minutes into the second period, reducing the deficit to one. However, this was the only scoring activity in the second period, and HC Panter maintained their composure. The third period opened with Niklas Sildre restoring the two-goal cushion early on, effectively putting the game back in Panter's favor. As the game approached its end, HS Riga’s desperate measures included removing their goalkeeper for an extra skater, which allowed Maksim Lovkov to capitalize by scoring into an empty net, sealing the game at 4-1.
Goalie Georg Vladimirov played a crucial role in the victory, making 38 saves against the opponents’ shots, showcasing his exceptional skills between the pipes. With this important win, HC Panter ensured their advancement into the playoff stage of the league, while a few matches remain in the regular season for the team to maintain their form and possibly enhance their playoff positioning.