The Cardiff Devils will play the first leg of the Challenge Cup semi-final at home against the Nottingham Panthers.

The two sides have been battling it out not only in the cup but in the league with the two sides placed in second and third respectively.

The last time these two sides met the Panthers won the game 3-2 after it went to overtime. Panthers took an early lead through goals from Mark Matheson and Julian Talbot. The Devils forced the game into overtime as Matt Pope and Gleason Fournier tied the game up.

Ultimately, Nottingham won the game with an impressive short-handed goal from Ollie Betteridge.

It will be an interesting event with the two sides having not met in the cup since 2016.

These two sides have clashed three times with the Panthers winning on two ocassions compared to the Devils sole win. They will also prepare to take eachother on again this Sunday as they return to league action.

Key Players

Cardiff Devils: Joey Martin, the GOAT may have is return to the ice in the Challenge Cup. He’s done well in the cup this year with 5 goals and 2 assists from 7 games.

Nottingham Panthers: Samuel Herr, has been a great addition for the Panthers this year. With 17 points in 10 Challenge Cup games he’s going to be difficult to stop.