Brandon Estes scored his 12th goal of the season and Christian Stoever made 20-saves as the Cardiff Devils beat the Glasgow Clan 3-1 to advance to the Elite League playoff final.
After a scoreless first period, the Devils and Clan lit the lamp three times in 90 seconds in the middle frame, setting the pace for an enthralling semi-final tie.
Connor Caponi opened the scoring for Cardiff in the 24th minute, tipping Ben Davies’ saucer pass beyond Sami Aittokallio from the edge of the crease.
The Clan punched back immediately through Jason Fram, who hammered his one-timer over the glove of Christian Stoever from the left circle, only to concede again seconds later.
Estes took advantage of the space afforded to him by Chris McKay and whipped the puck over Aittokallio’s blocker to restore Cardiff’s advantage.
Joey Martin scored into an empty net in the final minute to seal Cardiff’s place in the championship game.
The Devils will face Sheffield Steelers or Manchester Storm in tomorrow’s final, with face-off set for 5pm at the Motorpoint Arena.
Analysis: Cardiff Devils qualify for Elite League playoff final
Sami Aittokallio, Glasgow Clan (Image: Elite League)
The Clan can have no complaints about their playoff semi-final fate.
Glasgow made Cardiff work for their ticket to the championship decider, but the Devils were the better side for much of the contest, with Aittokallio facing twice as many shots as Stoever through the opening two periods.
That said, the Paul Thompson’s squad will need to find a higher gear in the final.
Kristoff Kontos was held off the scoresheet for the first time in two months, with Cole Sanford and Yaremko also unusually quiet on Cardiff’s second line.
Thompson’s Brett Ferguson-led third line lacked punch, too.
Regardless, the Devils are one win form their fourth postseason crown in the Elite League era.
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