How Cardiff Devils Defeated Nottingham Panthers 4-2 in Nottingham 2026

Key Points

• Important Match Win: Cardiff Devils have earned a well-deserved 4-2 road win against Nottingham Panthers at Motorpoint Arena, which is their first away win of the season.
• Guaranteed Spot in Semi-Finals: As a result of the match, Cardiff Devils have secured at least an elimination tie for the Challenge Cup semi-finals, putting them on top of Group A.
• First-Period Score: Nick Welsh scored the first goal for Cardiff Devils in the first period, tapping in his backhand shot after being quicker to react to a loose puck at 08:48.
• Second-Period Action: Evan Mosey extended Cardiff’s lead to 2-0 at 31:08 before Nottingham Panthers launched an immediate counterattack by scoring two power-play goals within 46 seconds from Aiden Hansen-Bukata (33:45) and Spencer Naas (34:31).
• Response Goal: Nolan Yaremko quickly scored another goal on a power play at 36:32, assisting Josh MacDonald and Gleason Fournier.
• Empty Net Goal: Ryan Barrow sealed the 4-2 victory by scoring an empty net goal just seven seconds away from the end of the match (59:53).

Nottingham (Cardiff Daily) October 26, 2026 – Cardiff Devils moved to the top of Group A in the Challenge Cup after battling to a hard-earned 4-2 victory over Nottingham Panthers at the Motorpoint Arena on Sunday evening. The crucial road victory guarantees the Welsh club at least an elimination fixture for the Challenge Cup semi-finals, keeping their silverware ambitions firmly on track as the group stage approaches its conclusion. In a tight contest featuring high physical intensity and rapid momentum shifts, goals from Nick Welsh, Evan Mosey, Nolan Yaremko, and Ryan Barrow earned Cardiff their first away triumph of the campaign.

How Did Cardiff Devils Claim a Crucial Victory in Nottingham?

The fixture opened with high intensity in front of 6,762 spectators at the Motorpoint Arena. Early opportunities fell to both sides, with Nottingham’s Spencer Naas testing Cardiff goalkeeper Christian Stoever, while Brandon Frattaroli saw his effort turned aside. At the opposite end, Panthers goaltender Mat Robson produced a critical save to deny Joey Martin, before Kristoff Kontos hit the post from close range.

As reported by BBC Sport, Cardiff took the lead at 08:48 when defenceman Nick Welsh reacted fastest to a loose puck behind the Nottingham defence, sliding a backhand shot past Robson to make it 1-0. Physicality boiled over shortly after the opening goal, resulting in a five-minute fighting penalty for both Cardiff’s Riley Brandt and Nottingham’s Max Grondin at 11:10. Cardiff maintained their slender one-goal margin through to the first intermission.

What Triggered the Second-Period Goal Frenzy at Motorpoint Arena?

The second period delivered significant action, producing four goals and multiple penalty infractions. As reported by BBC Sport, veteran forward Evan Mosey doubled Cardiff’s advantage at 31:08 by driving to the back door to finish off assists from Brandon Estes and Thomas Caron.

However, Nottingham Panthers launched a spirited fightback within two minutes. Following back-to-back minor penalties against Cardiff’s Thomas Caron (hooking) and Kohen Olischefski (delay of game) at 33:13, Nottingham capitalised on a five-on-three power play. Aiden Hansen-Bukata hammered home a right-point shot at 33:45 following crisp ball movement from Benjamin Corbeil and Zach O’Brien. Just 46 seconds later, with Panthers still on a five-on-four advantage, Spencer Naas buried a rebound past Stoever at 34:31 to level the match at 2-2.

Cardiff responded swiftly to the setback. As reported by BBC Sport, after Nottingham’s Joe Hazeldine was assessed a two-minute holding penalty at 35:49, the Devils converted their own power-play opportunity. Nolan Yaremko restored Cardiff’s lead at 36:32, directing the puck home from close range following setups from Josh MacDonald and Gleason Fournier to send the Devils into the final period ahead 3-2.

How Did Cardiff Hold Off Nottingham in the Final Period?

The final 20 minutes saw Nottingham press intensely for an equaliser, with Jordan Kelsall coming close to resetting the scoreboard. Mat Robson kept the hosts in contention by stopping an effort from Mosey on a Cardiff counter-attack.

Seeking a late breakthrough, Nottingham pulled Robson for an extra skater with just over two minutes remaining. However, Cardiff defended their net robustly before Ryan Barrow intercepted a play and slid the puck into an empty net at 59:53, wrapping up the 4-2 win with just seven seconds left on the clock.

Speaking to the media after returning to action, Cardiff forward Evan Mosey highlighted the weight of the match. As reported by BBC Sport, Evan Mosey stated that:

“It was a must-win game for us tonight, we didn’t want to leave it to chance with that last game and others playing before us.”

As reported by BBC Sport, Mosey added:

“We had a job to do. The boys played unbelievably.”

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What Is the Background of the Challenge Cup Qualification Race?

The Challenge Cup Group A campaign has evolved into an exceptionally competitive multi-team race. Following Sunday’s results, four teams—Cardiff Devils, Sheffield Steelers, Nottingham Panthers, and Guildford Flames—find themselves tied at 12 points apiece. However, their structural pathways to qualification differ significantly based on fixtures completed:

Under competition regulations, the top two teams in Group A automatically earn passage into the semi-finals. The third-placed team in Group A enters a play-off elimination tie against the runners-up of Group B, where Belfast Giants have already clinched top spot, leaving Fife Flyers, Glasgow Clan, and Dundee Stars battling for second place.

Because both Guildford Flames and Nottingham Panthers have completed all 10 of their group fixtures, their final placing depends entirely on the upcoming games involving Cardiff, Sheffield, and Manchester Storm. Sheffield host Manchester on Wednesday, 28 October, before Manchester face Coventry Blaze on Friday, 30 October, and wrap up group play against Cardiff on Sunday, 1 November. Manchester Storm retain a mathematical chance of qualifying if they win their remaining games in hand.

What Does This Result Predict for the Teams and Fans?

This development carries significant consequences for the Elite League franchises, management strategies, and fanbase expectations as the cup group stage concludes:

1. Relief and Momentum for Cardiff Devils Supporters

Cardiff Devils fans can anticipate guaranteed knockout ice hockey. Having secured at least an elimination tie, Cardiff control their own destiny. A victory in their final group fixture against Manchester Storm on Sunday, 1 November, will guarantee them top spot in Group A and direct entry into the Challenge Cup semi-finals, avoiding an additional playoff game.

2. High Stakes for Sheffield Steelers and Manchester Storm

For Sheffield Steelers fans, Wednesday’s clash against Manchester Storm becomes an absolute priority. A Sheffield win would secure automatic semi-final progression alongside Cardiff. Conversely, Manchester Storm face a high-pressure three-game schedule over five days; three consecutive wins could remarkably vault them into qualification contention, creating an unpredictable climax for their supporters.

3. Anxious Waiting Period for Nottingham Panthers and Guildford Flames

For Nottingham Panthers and Guildford Flames, their group stage work is complete. Players, staff, and supporters must now watch as passive observers. Neither side can gain further points, meaning their qualification hopes rely on results elsewhere. If both Sheffield and Cardiff win their final fixtures, Guildford and Nottingham will be pushed into tie-breaker scenarios for third place or eliminated entirely from knockout contention.