Match Report: Nottingham Panthers vs Cardiff Devils
- jamesduncanshannon
- Sep 15
- 4 min read
Pre-Game Drama and Tribute
The 2025/26 Elite League Challenge Cup opener between the Nottingham Panthers and Cardiff Devils was anything but a straightforward curtain-raiser. Puck drop was pushed back to 19:30 after the Cardiff Devils’ coach broke down and when the replacement coach arrived it was subsequently involved in a minor collision en route to the Motorpoint arena. The coach driver was in a good mood after the game no thanks to the result helping. Hardly the ideal start the Devils would have hoped for as they embarked on a new season.
Once the teams finally made it onto the ice and completed warm-ups, the Zamboni driver emerged to a warm reception from the crowd—a light-hearted moment, as many in the arena no doubt dreamed of taking that iconic machine for a spin themselves.
A poignant touch preceded the puck drop: a moving in memoriam was held for Panthers fans and club affiliates who had sadly passed away, bringing the crowd together in shared remembrance.
First Period: Devils Strike Short-Handed
The opening exchanges were lively, with both teams eager to lay down a marker for the new season. The Panthers looked threatening early on, narrowly missing out on several occasions. The game’s first significant incident came 4 minutes in, when Cardiff’s Josh MacDonald was sent to the box for tripping, handing the Panthers a powerplay.
Against the run of play, the Devils opened the scoring while short-handed—Ryan Barrow’s effort deflected its way into the net, stunning the home crowd. The Panthers pressed for a response, but the Devils’ aggressive forechecking and physical presence kept them honest. The period grew heated, with tempers flaring after a scuffle behind the net between Barrow and Matt Spencer, resulting in roughing penalties for both.
The Panthers’ discipline slipped as the period wore on, struggling to break out cleanly from the back under Cardiff’s pressure. Ben Bowns, between the pipes for the Devils, made several smart stops to preserve their lead. In the stands, a puck clearing to Block 17 drew a rapturous cheer—a lighter moment in a tense period.
As the period ticked down, Cedric Lacroix (Cardiff) picked up a roughing penalty, gifting the Panthers another man advantage. Despite a golden chance, the Devils’ defence held firm. The visitors arguably shaded the second half of the period, finishing 1-0 up. Shot count: Bowns faced 8, Grande 14.
Second Period: Panthers Roar Back, Devils Respond
The Panthers emerged flying in the second, levelling the tie just 90 seconds in. Bryan Lemos finished smartly in front of goal, assisted by Cooper Zech, sending the home fans into raptures as “Chelsea Dagger” blared out.
Moments later, Matt Marcinew found the net, turning the game on its head. The Panthers continued to dominate, and David Noel’s goal following a breakaway (assisted by Chase Pearson and Tim Doherty) extended the lead to 3-1.
Nottingham’s penalty kill was tested after Ross Armour took a seat for two minutes, but they stood firm. However, controversy struck after an accidental high stick on Tim Doherty. The Devils capitalised on the ensuing powerplay, with Kontos scoring from number 6 to reduce the deficit to 3-2.
The period was punctuated by another melee, this time in front of the Panthers’ bench, resulting in multiple roughing penalties for both teams. Despite a further powerplay opportunity, Nottingham couldn’t add to their tally. Cardiff finished the period pushing hard, but Jason Grande stood tall in the Panthers’ net. The second ended 3-2, with both goalies facing 9 shots apiece.
Third Period: Devils Turn the Tide
The final period saw momentum swing decisively in Cardiff’s favour. Early Devils pressure was repelled by Grande, who made an excellent double save to keep his side ahead. However, discipline issues resurfaced for the Panthers, with number Nolan Volcan taking a roughing penalty.
Cardiff took full advantage on the powerplay, with Nolan Yaremko levelling the scores at 3-3, assisted by Sandford and Fournier. The Devils’ offensive onslaught continued, and with just over a minute remaining, Ben Davies assisted by Cedric Lacroix put them 4-3 up. Another quick-fire goal this time by Brandon Estes assisted by Ryan Barrow, mirroring their opener—a back-post deflection—sealed the result at 5-3 with just 1:15 left on the clock.
Cole Sandford dealt the final blow and slotted away his effort unassisted to make it 6-3 to the Devils.
Despite the late deficit, Nottingham continued to push, but Bowns was in inspired form, underlining his credentials as Great Britain’s number one netminder. The final whistle confirmed a 6-3 away win for Cardiff, a remarkable turnaround after trailing at the halfway mark.
Final Thoughts
This Challenge Cup clash was a tale of three periods: honours even early on, a dominant spell from the Panthers in the second, and a ruthless, clinical finish by the Devils in the third. Both sides showed flashes of quality and intensity, but Cardiff’s ability to capitalise on the breakaway and their resilience under pressure proved decisive.
Nottingham will rue missed opportunities but can take positives from their second-period performance, while Cardiff head home with a hard-earned victory and an early marker in the group stage.
A memorable, action-packed opener to the 2025/26 Challenge Cup campaign.
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