Panthers take Elite League lead at expense of Devils

NOTTINGHAM Panthers moved to the top of the Elite League - at the expense of rivals Cardiff Devils.

The Welsh side came into the match - which also doubled up as a Challenge Cup encounter - buoyed with confidence following a three-game winning streak.

But hosts Panthers enjoyed a comfortable 6-3 lead early in the third period although goals from Jay Latulippe and Mark Smith, the latter just 18 seconds from time, made the scoreline more respectable.

Sheffield Steelers slumped to their second defeat in 24 hours as Coventry Blaze moved into fourth place with a 5-2 win, Adam Calder netting to inch to 199 career Elite League goals.

Just one day after his winner against the Steelers, Simon Lambert scored another decisive shoot-out strike as Edinburgh Capitals beat Hull Stingrays 3-2.

The win lifted the Scottish side off the basement while Hull have lost their last six and only claimed one win from their last 13 encounters.

Elsewhere, in-form Belfast Giants won 5-2 on the road against Newcastle Vipers to book their place in the last four of the Challenge Cup.