Devils trail Steelers after semi-final first leg
Cardiff Devils most recently won the Challenge Cup in 2017
- Published
Sheffield Steelers took the upper hand in the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup with a 5-3 win against Cardiff Devils in the first leg of the last four tie between the sides.
Daniel Ciampini and Joona Huttula both struck in the early stages to put Steelers in control at the Utilita Arena, although Joey Martin responded in the second period for Devils.
Mitchell Balmas restored the home side's two-goal advantage, only for Cole Sanford to net a second for Cardiff.
Patrick Watling and Daniel Leavens both scored early on in the third period as the home side took command of the contest.
Sanford struck his second of the night to offer Cardiff hope ahead of the second leg - which takes place in the Welsh capital on Wednesday, 12 February (19:30 GMT).
Belfast Giants take on Nottingham Panthers in the other semi-final.
Devils return to action in the Elite League on Saturday (19:00 GMT) when they host Coventry Blaze in Cardiff before travelling to Guildford Flames on Sunday.