Sun 5 Jan 2025 - 6:30PM
5TH JANUARY 2025: CARDIFF 3-2 PANTHERS
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Nottingham Panthers were beaten 3-2 by Cardiff Devils in a thrilling game on Sunday night in the Elite League.
Panthers were without Quinn Wichers and Jaakko Niskala, so Jordan Kelsall continued on defence.
Ryan Bednard started between the pipes with Jason Grande as back-up
Devils lead after first period
Mitch Fossier, Sam Herr and Matt Spencer had early chances for the Panthers and at the other end, Bednard made a good save to deny Brett Perlini.
Cole Sanford hit the bar for the Devils before Tyler Busch did well to win the puck behind the net and set-up Reid Duke who puts the hosts ahead (14:11)
Herr equalises for Panthers
Panthers equalised when Fossier won possession and fed Kristoff Kontos who found Herr at the backdoor to beat Mac Carruth (23:32).
Herr was denied by Carruth on a breakaway and Kontos shot just wide after good work by Fossier.
Cardiff's best chances of the period saw Bednard make two great saves to deny Duke.
Cardiff win it with late powerplay goal
Davis Bunz hit the bar before Zsombor Garát and Fossier combined to set-up Tim Doherty who beat Carruth with a neat wrist-shot (48:48).
The Devils thought they'd equalised moments later but Josh MacDonald's effort was disallowed for a kicking motion.
Bednard took a knock and was replaced by Grande in the Panthers goal and he was beaten when Busch executed superby on a two-on-one break (51:04).
Grande produced a world-class save to deny Sam Duggan from point-blank range.
The hosts won it in dramatic fashion through a close-range finish from former Panther Perlini on a late powerplay (58:54).
Blaze next at home on Saturday 18th January
Panthers face Belfast Giants twice on the road next weekend on Friday and Saturday, before a trip to Dundee Stars on Sunday.
The next home action is on Saturday 18th January (7pm) when Coventry Blaze visit the Motorpoint Arena - a game sponsored by WAGO.
Tickets are selling fast for this match so you are urged to secure your seats as soon as possible.