Cardiff Devils strong ahead of semi-finals

The Cardiff Devils will face the Belfast Giants in the semi-finals of the Elite League play-offs after a convincing win against the Hull Stingrays on Sunday.

The Devils still had much to do going into their home leg of the play-off against the Hull Stingrays after a narrow 2-1 victory on Humberside on Saturday.

But on Sunday the home side did not fail to convert the win, cruising to an impressive 6-1 lead before easing up in the third quarter to hold out at 6-3.

A capacity crowd at the Cardiff Arena spurred on the home side, which took an early lead through early goals from Brad Voth and Tylor Mitchell. Hull managed to pull one back but Ryan Finnerty finished the period with a deflected shot on the powerplay.

The second period was decisive for the Devils. Goal four for the Devils came from defender Craig Weller and the home side looked to finish the game off in style as Lyle made a reaction save with his helmet just before Scott Matzka finished off a slick passing move and John Pelle made it six with a skillful deke.

The game was practically finished by the end of the second period, but Hull came out fighting to draw two back in the final 20 minutes with goals from Konstantin Kalmikov and Andrew Coburn.

Devils fans enjoyed themselves in the last period despite their side easing off the pace and will now look forward to a trip to Nottingham to face reigning champions the Belfast Giants next Saturday.

Devils frontman Brad Voth said: "We did what we had to on the road and tonight we finished our chances and playing at home is a great place to do it."