Devils too strong for Panthers

Photo: James Assinder

Cardiff Devils responded to a 5-2 defeat in Nottingham last Sunday by thrashing the Panthers 6-2 at Ice Arena Wales on Friday night.

Three first-period goals put the home side in complete control. Justin Crandall opened the scoring just 5:21 in, followed by Trevor Cox at 16:12. His second of the night with 2:04 left in period one put the hosts into a three-goal advantage heading into the first intermission.

The Panthers were back in the game when Stephen Anderson struck 2:37 into period two, but have not found a way to pull themselves back to within one, they were undone by Jake Coughler's goal with 17 seconds left in the second period putting the Devils back three ahead. Ben Davies and the returning Josh Brittain both scored in the third before Jordan Kelsall pulled back a late consolation for the visitors.