By Eleanor Clifton
An overtime goal by Cole Sanford secured Cardiff Devils a dramatic win against Nottingham Panthers at the Vindico Arena.
Sanford struck from assists by Cody Donaghey and Evan Mosey in the 61st minute after the two teams had fought out a scrappy contest that ended in stalemate after normal time.
Devils went into the game having secured their play-offs place with a 4-3 victory at Coventry Blaze on Saturday, and this completed a successful weekend’s work..
Within 10 seconds of play starting, Cardiff had their first penalty kill due to Panthers’ Kohen Olichefski high-sticking.
The play was fast-paced, and the Devils had numerous chances, but just couldn’t seem to finish.
In the second minute Panthers’ Matt Spencer was sent to the penalty box for interference, after stopping Olichefski from going to the bench after he served his penalty.
Devils had another penalty kill in the 21st minute, as Tyler Busch was done for slashing.
The second period was even more physical, and the rough play continued – as well as the end-to-end nature of the contest.
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In the 25th minute, the Devils had the power play, as Panthers’ Reid Stefanson was done for interference.
The Devils had a massive chance in the 27th minute, but Jason Grande was able to deflect it away.
Tempers continued to flare, with fights breaking out and the pace of play increased, with Panthers looking more threatening.
In the 37th minute, a fight broke out between both teams, although only Busch was sent to the penalty box for roughing having been the one who started it.
Soon after, play had to stopped, after Panthers’ Jaakko Niskala injured himself making a tackle. After several minutes he was careful helped off the ice.
Both teams were equally matched, with neither team letting the other break away. Sanford had the closest chance the whole game, but Grande was too quick to react.
It was goalless at the end of normal time before, after only two minutes of overtime Sanford made the breakthrough before being mobbed by ecstatic team-mates.
The Devils’ next game, is home to Dundee Stars on March 15.