After an end-to-end game against the Sheffield Steelers last week, how did the Panthers fare in their final pre-season outing at the Motorpoint Arena?
While last week’s pre-season friendly against the Sheffield Steelers was a high-octane, end-to-end battle between two close rivals, this Aladdin Cup match-up between the Nottingham Panthers and Cardiff Devils was… not quite the same. In fact, for almost two entire periods, there was very little action of note - from either side.
Playing like two teams desperate not to lose, rather than two vying for a win, there was initially an absence of adventure all round, with both the Panthers and Devils prioritising defensive solidity over attacking prowess. Make no mistake, in the first period Nottingham looked the better side, controlling possession and putting together some decent passing plays, all without looking under too much pressure at the back.
Yet there was a distinct lack of urgency throughout - until the Devils put themselves ahead. With what was ultimately little more than a speculative effort, Cardiff’s Mark Richardson squeezed the puck past goaltender Alex Dubeau with a sizable stroke of fortune, as a long-range effort took a generous deflection to find its way into the net.
And it was with this that the game sparked into life. Riding a wave of momentum, the Devils put the Panthers to the sword, smashing home three more within eighteen minutes as the threat of a drubbing became a worrying possibility. Nottingham’s defence suddenly looked overwhelmed, struggling to maintain a Cardiff side that was growing in confidence.
But with a week to go until the season proper, this tactical battle will surely prepare the players well for the busy months ahead
In true Notts fashion, though, the Panthers refused to admit defeat. The crowd, who were impressively vocal from start-to-finish, only grew in volume as their side were put under increasing pressure, and the team on the ice responded by rallying to cut the deficit. First, Kelsall - a bright spark in an otherwise pretty forgettable encounter - slotted home from close range, prompting the Panthers faithful to chant his name with glee.
And then, in the 57th minute, Andrew Johnston pulled another back after a well-worked move, as head coach Gary Graham threw everything at it - hauling off Dubeau to go six-on-five late on. In the end, though, it was too late to properly threaten Cardiff’s advantage, their twenty-minute flurry proving enough to seal the Aladdin Cup tie.
It was hardly a classic, and the Panthers ultimately failed to build on the promise of last weekend’s entertaining tie, but with a week to go until the season proper, this tactical battle will surely prepare the players well for the busy months ahead.
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