Elite League play-offs: Cardiff Devils 7-5 Guildford Flames – Devils finish third

The game lacked edge and ferocity, not unexpected for a third-place final, but both teams had their moments to keep the travelling fans at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham entertained.

Great Britain forward Duggan beat Flames keeper Adam Long from close range to open the scoring, but Guildford hit back with four minutes left in the first period – Ouellett with the goal.

Cardiff burst out of the traps in the middle period, and scored two quickfire goals through Sanford and Ully, only for Tait to immediately pull one back for Flames.

But the Devils were the dominant side, and when Busch and Donaghey struck before the end of the middle period to put Cardiff 5-2 up, the result seemed inevitable.

Brandt put Cardiff four goals up early in the final period, but Guildford fought back with Hook’s goal and Ouellett’s second of the game.

There was still time for Devils forward Martin scored his 25th goal of the season, before Ripplinger completed the scoring in the final minutes, as Cardiff won 7-5.

Sheffield Steelers will be hoping to complete the Elite League Grand Slam when they take on reigning play-off champions Belfast Giants in Sunday’s final.