Nottingham Panthers 6 - 1 Cardiff Devils

Faceoff: 19:00 - 03/09/11

Devils fans left the NIC feeling bitterly disappointed tonight after seeing their team crash to a 6-1 defeat at the hands of the Nottingham Panthers. This was a double blow for the Devils as the game counted for both EIHL League and Challenge Cup group points.

A large travelling support of several hundred saw the Devils take the early lead 1-0 courtesy of a well-taken opportunity by young Brit Sam Smith. That was to be the only time the Devils led the contest however as the Panthers closed out the first period with a 2-1 lead and fired in 3 unanswered second period goals to take the first 40 minutes 5-1 leaving the Devils fans, and bench, visibly stunned.

A lack of cohesion in gameplay cost the Devils tonight just as Wednesday against the Blaze and Panthers, in front of a near capacity crowd, took their opportunities well with David Alexandre Beauregard netting a hat-trick.

Devils could not gel as a team and were clearly suffering from the loss of energetic power-forward Max Birbraer, who was a late scratch following an injury picked up in the hit from Coventry’s John Gordon on Wednesday that resulted in Gordon receiving a penalty and Birbraer missing out tonight.

Whilst the Devils could not put in the performance they desired, Devils fans were left bewildered by several calls from referee Mike Hicks, particularly  the penalty assessed to Jeff Pierce (on a breakaway in front of Panthers net) when Pierce was assessed a two minute penalty after what many saw as Pierce being brought down by the panthers last man.

Coach Gerad Adams put versatile forward Scott Dobben on the top line with Matzka and the speedy Jeff pierce, giving his young Brits the chance to anchor the third line of the Welsh side.

Panthers were solid at the back and rolled their lines effectively with man of the match Jordan Fox causing problems all evening.

Neil Francis was suspended for this match following his Match penalty in last season’s playoffs meaning the Devils were missing key figures on and off the ice.

Devils return to Cardiff against the same opposition tomorrow, Sunday 4^th Sept at 6pm and will be looking to start their competitive season at home in a much more physical and successful style.

On the Smaller ice the Large Devils outfit will leave less space for the Panthers forwards and with an anticipated sell-out crowd for the home opener of the season, the atmosphere promises to be electric.

Tickets are available from the Box office on 029 20 382001