Nottingham Panthers advanced to the Challenge Cup final after seeing off fierce rivals Sheffield Steelers 3-1 in the second leg of their semi-final to complete a 7-3 aggregate win.
Panthers, who will face Cardiff Devils in the decider, have now recorded seven victories from seven games against the Steelers in all competitions this season.
The first leg in Sheffield saw Panthers open a 4-2 lead and Steelers failed to recover in Nottingham as the home side skated to a convincing win.
The opening period was goalless despite numerous chances at both ends, but that changed early in the second session as Kevin Bergin put the hosts in front at 24.12.
A goal flurry at the end of the period saw Bruce Richardson fire the Panthers 2-0 ahead at 37.20, but Steelers replied at 38.53 with a Doug Sheppard strike.
The visitors fell short in the final session, outshooting Panthers by 15 to 9 but failing to elude goaltender Kevin St Pierre in the home net.
A comfortable home side piled on the misery in the last minute as Cameron Mann fired the insurance into the empty goal with 30 seconds remaining to secure Panthers their final spot.
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