Fri 7 Oct 2022 - 9:51PM

ELITE LEAGUE: DEVILS 5-1 PANTHERS

The Nottingham Panthers were beaten 5-1 in Wales by Cardiff Devils in the Premier Sports Elite League.

Alex Dubeau got the start in goal with Jack Berry as back-up, while Tanner Sorenson returned to the line-up.

Forward Mike Hammond was unavailable because of injury and Andrew Johnston took a knock in the first period and missed the rest of the game.

Coughler gives Cardiff first-period lead
The Devils had the better of the opening stages and took the lead when Brodie Reid and Blake Thompson combined to set-up Jake Coughler to sweep home from the right circle (10:43).

Dubeau made two big stops, including one from GB international Ben Davies, before Panthers had their best spell of the period.

Sorenson and Adam Brady went close in quick succession but Cardiff went to the first intermission with a one-goal advantage.

Welsh on target for Panthers but Devils extend lead
Dubeau made excellent saves to deny Joey Martin and Riley Brandt, while Justin Crandall hit the pipes on the powerplay.

A great stretch pass from Marcus Crawford created a two-on-one break and Reid fed Josh Waller for Cardiff's second (30:15).

Panthers hit back as Duggie Lagrone teed-up Jordan Kelsall who saw his shot saved, but Jeremy Welsh was on hand to turn in his sixth goal in four matches (34:09).

A broken play saw Joey Martin pounce on a loose puck in the slot for Cardiff's third only 34 seconds later (34:43), before Sorenson was given a game misconduct for kicking.

Devils score twice in third period
Martin hit the post from the slot as Devils came close with the man advantage while at the other end, Welsh was denied by Ben Bowns.

Panthers Head Coach Gary Graham lifted Dubeau on a late third-period powerplay, but the six-on-four ploy didn't work as Thompson scored into the empty net (56:57).

Crawford added Cardiff's fifth at 59:59 on a five-on-three powerplay.

Panthers return home to face Fife tomorrow night
​It's a quick return to action for the Panthers as Fife Flyers visit the Motorpoint Arena in the Elite League tomorrow night.

Face-off is 7pm. Click here to buy tickets.