Devils put five goals past rivals Steelers in Cardiff

Cardiff Devils boosted their chances of finishing second in Elite League with a convincing win against Sheffield Steelers at Vindico Arena in the Welsh capital.

Kristoff Kontos struck the opener in the first period with Joey Martin adding the second eight seconds before the end of the second period.

The Devils continued to add to their lead in the final period with Cole Sanford and Brett Perlini adding Cardiff's third and fourth goals.

Nolan Yaremko added the finishing touch to the win with five minutes remaining, while netminder Christian Stoever celebrated a shutout at home.

The win moves Cardiff two points clear of the Steelers - who drop to fourth with two games of the regular season remaining - and keeps them one point ahead of third-placed Nottingham Panthers, who also won on Wednesday 2-1 at home to Manchester Storm.

The runners-up spot - and the chance to avoid already-crowned league champions Belfast Giants until the play-off final - looks likely to be decided when Devils visit Panthers in the final round of games on Sunday, 5 April.

Before that Cardiff host Coventry Blaze on Saturday, while Panthers visit Storm.