Clan dug deep in the third period to clinch their fourth straight win as they edged past Nottingham Panthers in a closely-fought 2-1 game.
It ended the weekend in the best possible way as Malcolm Cameron’s players frustrated their opponents and took full advantage of their powerplays as well.
A tight first period didn’t see much in the way of clean cut chances, but the Braehead Arena outfit stayed firm defensively as Panthers looked to carve their way through.
The best chance from the home team came as Robbie Baillargeon got a shot off after a timely deflection from Clan goalie Shane Starrett, it hit the crossbar and away from danger.
After good wins in recent games, Clan confidence was up as they kept the Panthers at arm’s length and it was a powerplay chance that gave them their opening goal.
As the team moved the puck around the home offensive zone, Colton Yellow Horn laid it on nicely for Mitch Jones, who sent his blue line shot flying past Panthers goalie Kevin Carr for his fifth goal of the season.
With something to defend, Clan continued to keep it tight in the second period and did well to repel Christophe Boivin, who burst through, but could only put his shot wide.
The attempted rebound didn’t fare much better.
Another powerplay chance yielded another goal as Sean Richards sat for a hook, allowing Malcolm Cameron’s team room full advantage.
Yellow Horn got another assist, playing a shot on goal where Nolan LaPorte was in a great spot to divert it past Carr for his fourth goal in as many games.
Nottingham almost responded through Jeremy Welsh a minute or so later, but another save from Starrett added to their frustrations.
Few chances came in the third, although Dyson Stevenson and Jamie Crooks had half chances, but as the game ticked into the final ten minutes, Panthers pushed.
Starrett denied Richards at his near post then a late powerplay for the home team gave them a lifeline.
With Carr pulled, they went six on four, a move that paid off as Boivin scrambled the puck into the net inside the final minute.
A big save from Starrett right at the buzzer as he lay across the crease to deny Matthew Myers proved to be enough as Clan took a second win in two visits from Nottingham.
Having beaten Manchester Storm 4-3 the night before, the Braehead Arena outfit now sit sixth in the Elite Ice Hockey League table thanks to their recent upturn in form.
That has been led by LaPorte, who has bagged an impressive four goals in his last four games.
Up next for Cameron’s side is a trip south on Wednesday night to take on Sheffield Steelers.
