These two teams were on league business last night and they were separated by a penalty shot winner for Nottingham. Tonight they meet in the Challenge Cup and the game was every bit as tight as they served up an eight-goal thriller to collect a point each.

The Bison rued three early powerplay opportunities as the Panthers took the honours in the first period with the goal coming from Cory Neilson at 14.44.

The Bison finally got their powerplay working as Derek Campbell restored equality at 30.54. The Panthers restored their one goal lead at 34.04 as Cory Neilson with his second netted on the powerplay. The visitors then hit two in as many minutes to take the lead. The first came the way of Wes Davis at 37.22 and Kyle Peto on the powerplay at 39.03.

The hosts were back on level terms as Matt Myers netted at 46.51. PC Drouin then hit home what looked like the game winner at 54.35. But the visitors stunned the home support as Greg Owen tied it up at four apiece at 57.30.

Period Scores: 1-0 1-3, 2-1
Penalty Mins: 38-24
Shots On: Rastislav Rovnianek 36 - Stevie Lyle 29

Other Sunday results:

bmibaby Elite League
Manchester Phoenix 1 Coventry Blaze 4
Cardiff Devils 3 Belfast Giants 2
Hull Stingrays 5 Edinburgh Capitals 3
Sheffield Steelers 0 Newcastle Vipers 2