The Knights struggled to keep in the game

Nottingham Panthers have closed the gap on Superleague leaders Sheffield after defeating London Knights 3-1 at the National Ice Centre.

The Panthers had started Saturday's match in third spot in the league, but a Lee Jinman double and a solitary goal by Greg Hadden allowed them to leapfrog the Knights.

In a tense, but goalless, opening first period, the Panthers came out the more attack minded in the second.

And their style paid dividends as Jinman's two goals followed in quick succession.

Rich Bronilla kept the home side in the contest, as his effort reduced the deficit to one.

Greg Hadden then ensured the two points for Nottingham with the game's final goal 11 minutes from time.

Belfast Giants, though, remain just two points behind the Panthers after registering a 5-2 victory against the struggling Bracknell Bees.

The Northern Irish outfit rarely looked trouble after going 2-0 up in the first period, courtesy of Kevin Riehl and Doug MacDonald finding the target.

Dave Matsos, with two, and Robby Sandrock sealed a convincing winning margin.