Fife Flyers' dream of making it into the play-off final were killed off on Saturday as the Kirkcaldy club were put to the sword 4-0 by eventual tournament winners the Cardiff Devils.
For everything the Flyers put into the game, the scoreline was perhaps not a reflection of how they performed as what’s been a terrific season could not continue into Sunday’s finale down in Nottingham at the play-off final four weekend.
However, the finishing prowess of the Devils was there for all to see as their killer instinct proved the difference.
The stalemate was broken when Andy Iles was dragged out of position, denying Layne Ulmer, leaving Tyson Strachan the chance to tuck the puck into the gaping net.
Shayne Stockton went close with an effort that flashed past shortly after, but it was the league champions that were one up after two periods.
Fife went close as Jim Jorgensen tried to sneak one in at the left post, but it rang the bell as Cardiff recovered.
However, last season’s runners-up prevailed when Sean Bentivoglio’s shot was stopped by Iles, but Matt Pope was on hand to sweep up the rebound.
Then 70 seconds later, Flyers were killed off by a Ulmer finish from close range to effectively seal their place.
Devils made it four on the board through Justin Faryna with a left-sided snipe that knocked the stuffing out of Fife as they progressed to the big final to defeat Sheffield Steelers 3-1.
While Cardiff were the soul Scottish representatives in Nottingham, Braehead Clan were busy back home appointing a new head coach in the shape of Pete Russell.
The 43-year-old Scot, who is the Team GB national coach, takes over from John Tripp who was sacked earlier this month after Clan failed to make it to the play-off quarter-finals.
Russell has just finished three years at Milton Keynes Lightning and said: "Coming from the west of Scotland coming to Clan is a dream come true for me."
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