Devils v Panthers

Match Report

Nottingham Panthers came from behind to beat Cardiff Devils 2-1 in Wales after a penalty shootout in the final away game of pre-season.

Netminder Ryan Bednard put on a clinic of a performance as he turned away 44 of the 45 shots he faced and then saved all five of Cardiff's efforts in the shootout.

Panthers had a full line-up with Ollie Betteridge and Josh Tetlow returning from international duty. Bednard started between the pipes with Luca Sheldon as back-up.

Devils lead at first intermission
The hosts took an early lead on the powerplay when Bednard made a couple of good close-range saves, but the puck fell to Reid Duke to score with a neat wrist-shot from the left-circle (1:51).

Betteridge and Otto Nieminen went close for the Panthers inside the opening 10 minutes, while Matt Alfaro, Kristoff Kontos and Cooper Zech had chances on a first-period powerplay.

Bednard made two great saves to deny Cardiff forwards Duke and Ryan Barrow as the session drew to a close.

Henbrant scores Panthers' equaliser
Davis Bunz had an early chance for Nottingham in the second period while at the other end, Bednard turned away efforts from Joey Martin and former Panther Brett Perlini.

Panthers equalised on the powerplay as Reid Stefanson and Tim Doherty set-up Didrik Henbrant at the backdoor (37:10).

Netminders on top in third period
Henbrant and Matt Spencer shot just wide on the powerplay in the third session as Panthers pushed at one end.

Bednard stood tall to keep out three chances in succession including a close-range effort shot from Martin.

The Panthers netminder also came up big to shut the door on a Zach O'Brien breakaway.

Panthers win it in the shootout
Bowns made a superb windmill save with his pads to stop Zech in overtime and Kontos was denied from close-range.

Bednard continued to put on a clinic and denied Cody Donaghey from the slot as the clock ticked down in the extra period.

The Panthers netminder saved all five of Cardiff's efforts in the shootout, with Kontos beating Bowns to secure victory for Danny Stewart's side.