Nottingham Panthers defeated Cardiff Devils 5-4 in regulation at a Club Friendly Games matchup, thanks to a dominant two-period start that built an insurmountable cushion. The Panthers controlled the opening 40 minutes, then withstood a furious Cardiff comeback in the third.
Nottingham led 1-0 after the first period and doubled down with a 3-0 second, carrying a 4-0 lead into the final frame. Cardiff finally broke through with four third-period goals, but the Panthers managed one of their own to preserve the 5-4 final — enough to keep the game from reaching overtime.
The decisive number was the four-goal margin established through two periods; Nottingham scored in every period while Cardiff's offense arrived only after the game had turned. With goals sparse in the box score, the Panthers' early efficiency and ability to absorb late pressure told the story.