Cardiff Devils 5-1 Nottingham Panthers (Elite League) 07.10.22
The Nottingham Panthers were comprehensively beaten in Wales last night by Cardiff Devils who move to second in the Premier Sports Elite League table.
Alex Dubeau got the start in goal for the away side 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.
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.
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.
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.
It’s a quick return to action for the Panthers as Fife Flyers visit the Motorpoint Arena in the Elite League tonight. A 7pm face off awaits with Nottingham hoping a win can move them up from their sixth position after five games played.
*Main image @PanthersIHC Nottingham were well beaten in Wales last night.
