Elite League winners Sheffield Steelers ended Cardiff Devils' play-off hopes with a 5-2 victory in Saturday's first semi-final in Nottingham.
Captain Jonathan Phillips' goal gave Steelers a first-period advantage.
Doug Sheppard put them further ahead, but Devils tied with two goals in 71 seconds from Brad Voth and Matt Elich.
Steelers retook the lead with Jeff Legue's powerplay goal, before Robert Dowd and Randy Dagenais struck to book a final against Nottingham Panthers.
Sheffield Steelers head coach Dave Matsos:
"It was exactly what I expected, they played hard and there were spells in the game where we got off our track.
"Our guys played well, but fair play to Cardiff, they played really well and caused us a lot of problems.
"I think most of the guys are going to stay and watch the second game, which is something that I commend and I am very supportive of because they want to know who they are playing tomorrow."
Cardiff Devils head coach Gerard Adams:
"I thought it was a good hockey game. They got up a couple of goals but we battled back and I thought we were right there, then there was a key penalty call.
"Sheffield took advantage of it and that is what good hockey teams do. There is a good reason why they won the league.
"It has been a successful season for us. There is a two-tier system in the Elite League and we finished top of our section, so without doubt I am happy with the season."
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