Devils v Panthers

Match Report

The Nottingham Panthers produced a superb performance on-the-road at Cardiff Devils as they won 4-2 in the Elite League this evening.

Alexander Lunsjö scored twice and there was a goal each for Otto Nieminen and Didrik Henbrant as the Panthers secured a vital two league points.

Nottingham were without defenceman Josh Tetlow, but new signing Austin Farley was in the line-up and made his debut.

Rok Stojanovic made the start between the pipes with British netminder Luca Sheldon as back-up.

Lunsjö double gives Panthers first-period lead
After Devils made a strong start with Stojanovic making a string of fine saves, Panthers went ahead when Simon Després saw his shot saved and Lunsjö reacted first to slide a loose puck under Ben Bowns (7:21).

Lunsjö scored his second just over four minutes later converting superbly on a breakaway after a feed from Hugo Roy (11:56).

Stojanovic continued to close the door on Cardiff with two top-class saves late in the period, including one to deny Cole Ully in the slot.

Nieminen and Henbrant on target in second period
Cardiff closed the gap on the powerplay through Joey Martin's wrist-shot over the shoulder of Stojanovic from the right circle (24:44).

The Panthers regained their two-goal advantage as Roy's shot was saved by Bowns on a two-on-one break, but Nieminen buried home the rebound (34:46).

Henbrant took advantage of a mistake by the Devils and with insane speed broke clear to make it 4-1 to the Panthers (38:24).

Panthers secure superb two points on-the-road
Stojanovic saved River Rymsh's shot from right point while at the other end, Henbrant used his speed to win a foot race to the puck but his shot hit the bar.

Justin Crandall was denied from close-range by Stojanovic on a third-period powerplay, before Riley Brandt scored a late consolation goal for the hosts with a wrist-shot (59:51)