Nottingham Panthers’ season continues to go from strength-to-strength following Saturday nights’ victory in the Welsh capital, Danny Stewart’s charges winning 3-2 away to Cardiff Devils.

It was a battling win that sees the Panthers, sitting nicely in second place in the Elite League standings, ahead of both their hosts, as well as rivals Sheffield Steelers, although they both do have the advantage of a game or two in hand.

Still without both netminder Ryan Bednard, and defenceman Quinn Wichers, through injury, the Panthers also took to the ice without Didrik Henbrant, who was missing through injury, for this tight affair which didn’t really spring into life until the final period.

The only score from the opening two periods went the way of the visitors, Panthers captain Sam Herr with a wrist-shot after 11:30 of the first period; netminder Jason Grande would perform his usual heroics throughout, whilst Cooper Zech would see an effort go wide, the two sides cancelling each other out for much of this enthralling contest.

Mitch Fossier and Otto Nieminen would see powerplay opportunities go begging for the Panthers early in the third period, the contest springing to life; Josh MacDonald levelled the tie for the hosts on 47:31, before Herr, and Kristoff Kontos, again had chances for the Panthers.

Less than five minutes after the leveller, the Panthers regained their slender advantage, this time Logan Neilson netting after the turnover was forced through, and Matt Alfaro released Nielson to fire home first time.

The Devils soon levelled for a second time, this from Zach O’Brien, on 51:40, with both sides pushing for a game-clinching score.

That would go the way of the Panthers when Kontos and Fossier combined well to release Herr in the right circle, with five remaining, and the visiting captain fired home what was a lovely, first-time effort, for the win.

It’s a Scottish double-header next up for the Panthers, next weekend; first, a trip to Scotland, and Dundee Stars (Saturday 8 February), followed by Glasgow Clan visiting the following night (Sunday 9 February), before visiting Belfast Giants, in the Challenge Cup semi-final, first leg, a week on Wednesday (12 February).

*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).

*Main image @PanthersIHC another win for the in-form Panthers.