NATHAN Robinson's overtime winner secured Nottingham Panthers a place in the last eight of the Challenge Cup after they beat Hull Stingrays
3-2.
Robinson came out of the penalty box to ensure Panthers moved on to eight points in Group B, meaning either Hull or Coventry Blaze will miss out on the quarter-finals.
They still have to play each other twice meaning that in the unlikely scenario all three teams finish on the same points tally, Panthers progress with more regulation wins.
The win came at a price as star netminder Craig Kowalski picked up an injury in the second period.
Dan Green once again proved a capable deputy though as Panthers won through goals from leading scorer Chris Lawrence and defenceman Sam Oakford, who got his first of the season.
Jordan Mayer scored twice for the hosts.
It was the first time this season that Panthers have won both weekend games as they edge slowly towards peak form.
There is a long, long way to go but they will have another chance to convince their fans they can enjoy a successful season when they take on Edinburgh Capitals at the National Ice Centre tomorrow.
Hull went into the game with the worst power play record in the league, converting just four of 64 chances However, they took the lead after 2.14 from their first power play of the night as Mayer fired high past Kowalski at his near post.
Lawrence's seventh goal of the season made it 1-1 at 12.06 as he made the most of some loose netminding by the otherwise excellent David Brown by firing through his pads during a Panthers power play.
Into the second period, Matty Davies picked up a 2+2 penalty but the visitors could not score in the four minute power play.
Robinson hit the post, but Hull looked equally dangerous shorthanded. Stingrays came within inches of taking the lead as the period wound down, Matt Larke rattling the underside of the bar.
Fine skill by Evan Mosey almost earned the lead, but Panthers did go ahead from the unlikely source of Oakford, who glided between two defencemen before ripping a shot past Brown at 51.51.
It was 2-2 80 seconds later when Mayer somehow squeezed the puck through Green.
Robinson's fourth goal of the season won it 2.52 into overtime when he came out of the penalty box to force the puck over the line after Bruce Graham's shot was saved.
