Fri 4 Nov 2022 - 9:52PM

ELITE LEAGUE: DEVILS 6-2 PANTHERS

The Nottingham Panthers were beaten 6-2 on-the-road in Wales by Cardiff Devils in the Elite League on Friday night.

Alex Dubeau started his third successive game in goal with Matty Bloor as back-up, while Duggie Lagrone (injury reserve) was the only absentee.

Devils ahead by three after first period
Panthers had a chance inside the opening minute when Ben Bowns denied Craig Puffer following a neat pass from Mike Hammond while at the other end, Dubeau had to be at his best to deny Josh Brittain twice from close range.

The Devils took the lead just past the five-minute mark as Marcus Crawford's shot fell to Justin Crandall, who slipped the puck past Dubeau at his near post (5:21).

Puffer, David Levin and JC Brassard had chances as Nottingham had two successive powerplays, but Devils took control as Cox scored twice in just over 90 seconds, tipping in a shot from Josh Batch (16:12) before sneaking the puck over the line from close range (17:56).

Anderson on target for Panthers but Cardiff maintain three-goal lead
After an early chance in the period for Hammond, Stephen Anderson reduced the deficit when he poked the puck past Ben Bowns following a goalmouth scramble (22:37).

The Devils regained their three-goal advantage with the second period coming to a close, as Justin Crandall put the puck on a plate for Jake Coughler to fire a one-timer past Dubeau from the right circle (39:43).

Kelsall on target but Devils ease to victory
Riley Brandt and Josh Waller combined to set-up Ben Davies who did well to stretch for the puck before firing past Dubeau off the post (47:55).

Brittain reacted first to a loose puck on the doorstep to score Cardiff's six on his backhand (50:59), while Bowns produced an outstanding save to deny Hammond on a breakaway in the closing stages.

Luke Ferrara set-up Jordan Kelsall for a sweet wrist shot to beat Bowns in the closing stages to score Nottingham's second of the night (59:21).

Panthers host Storm in Kids for a Quid game on Sunday
It's set to be a special occasion on Sunday at the Motorpoint Arena with the Kids for a Quid game against Manchester Storm (4pm face-off).

The two sides go head-to-head in a vital Challenge Cup game with qualification for the knockout stages on the line.

Click here to find out more details about the activities for all the family on Sunday.

🎟 SUNDAY KIDS FOR A QUID: PANTHERS v STORM - BUY TICKETS 🎟