Published Saturday, 07 April 2012
The Cardiff Devils win their first penalty shootout of the season. (© Michael Cooper)
The Devils booked their place in the play-off final for the third successive year following their 4-3 win after penalty shots at the National Ice Centre in Nottingham.
Kenton Smith was the only successful taker as the Devils, beaten in the showpiece for the past two years, won in a shoot-out for the first time in seven attempts this season.
Scott Matzka for the Devils and Jeremy Rebek for the Giants traded first-period goals before Scott Dobben and Luke Piggott put the Welsh side in charge.
But two goals in the final four minutes from Giants men Aaron Clarke and Mike Hoffman forced overtime.
The sides could not be separated during the 10 minute overtime period; it then went to penalty shots with the Devils emerging victorious.
Kenton Smith scored the winning shot to send his side through to play either Nottingham or Hull in the final.