Finals here we come

The Cardiff Devils held off a late surge by the Giants to win their Challenge Cup semi final 7-8 on aggregate despite losing 5-3 on the night. Miller got onto the scoreboard first after only 2 minutes, opening up the Devils aggregate lead to 4. Giants pulled back though over the next 30 minutes of play through markers from Benedict, Peacock and Cheverie.

A powerplay goal from Birbraer followed by his second of the evening, a short handed effort given up off the back of an extended penalty kill including a 5 on 3, seemed to put the game out of the Giants reach. Two Late strikes from Colin Shields in the last 5 minutes made the end of the game nervy for the Devils as with only a goal in it and Murphy pulled in favour of the extra skater, they had to soak up sustained attack to book their place in the final.

The Devils will face either Sheffield or Nottingham in the final (dates to be confirmed).