The Genting Casino Coventry Blaze were beaten 8-0 by the Cardiff Devils at a sold out Vindico Arena on Boxing Day.
Canadian centreman Tyler Busch had the only goal of the first period, scoring past ex Devil Taran Kozun in the Blaze net with a tip from a Bode Wilde shot from the point.
The play went to a lengthy video review but the goal was eventually upheld. Coventry almost hit back on a Trevor Cox tripping minor, but couldn’t beat an inspired Great Britain International Ben Bowns on the resulting powerplay.
Cole Sanford put the Devils two ahead 6.46 into the second period, before another video review was needed to see if the hosts had gone three ahead. The on-ice call was initially no goal, but after review it was decided that no Devils player had touched Evan Mosey’s shot en-route to the net, and the goal was awarded at 29.11.
Stand-out defenceman Marcus Crawford made it 4-0 on a powerplay and things got even worse for the Blaze when they conceded shorthanded at 33.32 via a former player in Ben Davies.
Following the Brit’s strike, Nolan Kent replaced Kozun in the Coventry net.
Jamie Arniel registered the home sides sixth 2.07 into the third period and Mosey bagged his second on 53.41.
Sanford ended the rout, scoring with 80 seconds left to wrap up an 8-0 win for the Devils.
Photo credit: James Assinder
