Devils condemn Blaze as Panthers put the pressure on

ELITE League leaders Coventry Blaze slipped up against Cardiff - and nearest rivals Nottingham Panthers took full advantage.

Panthers moved level on points with Coventry, although they have played four games more, following a 4-3 overtime success against Edinburgh Capitals.

Third-place Belfast Giants kept up the pressure on the top two with a 3-2 win over Sheffield Steelers while Newcastle Vipers were 5-2 winners over Hull Stingrays.

Luke Fulghum put Blaze ahead against the Devils, capitalising after Cardiff gave up a three-on-one breakaway.

Greg Owen then doubled the advantage before Wes Jarvis reduced arrears ahead of the decisive final period.

With the pressure on, Blaze crumbled to their eighth defeat of the season as goals from Phil Hill and Max Birbraer secured a 3-2 victory.