With little to play for following their semi-final exits, both teams enjoyed a light-hearted third/fourth-placed clash at the National Ice Centre.

Russ Romaniuk and Rob Davison gave Cardiff a 2-0 lead before Gerad Adams and Ron Shudra hit back for Sheffield in the second period.

Jeff Christian then put them ahead before scoring another late on.

Afterwards, both teams questioned the wisdom of holding a third/fourth placed play-off game.

"The last thing the guys wanted to do is play a game like this," said Sheffield Steelers captain Dion Darling.

"They would have been better off having a beer drinking contest. It would have been more entertaining."

Devils coach Dave Whistle said: "I can understand the league wanting to make some money, but I think they will need to look at it again."