History was made tonight in Nottingham as the Panthers became the first British team to reach the last 16 of the Champions Hockey League.

Outshot 32-15, the Panthers defied their pre-season seeding to shut out the Liiga side at the National Ice Centre. A goalless opening period looked to be followed by another 20 minutes without goals before the Panthers finally broke out of their shell. Top Scorer Dan Shalla pounced from close range after an attacking face-off to put the Panthers 1-0 ahead with 38:19 gone. Then, only 56 seconds later, Alexander Mokshantsev came around the back of the net to fire over Oskari Setanen and double the home side's lead and send the crowd wild.

No goals were scored in the final period, despite TPS putting the hosts under some sustained pressure – as they had done for most of the game – and pulling the goalie saw the Panthers secure a 2-0 win and netminder Mike Garnett secure a 32-save shutout.