The Genting Casino Coventry Blaze collected a crucial two points in a 3-4 overtime victory over the Sheffield Steelers at the Sheffield Arena in a pulsating Challenge Cup encounter.
Victory puts the Blaze into third place in Group A, which would result in a play-in game to reach the semi-finals against the Glasgow Clan, however, Coventry could still gain automatic qualification with second place in reach.
The game began with Sheffield taking an early advantage. At 10.33, Sacha Guimond opened the scoring on a 5-on-3 powerplay, with Brandon Whistle and Maxim Golod providing assists. Coventry responded promptly through a powerplay goal of their own by Alessio Luciani at 13.55, tipping home a Chase Gresock shot. The first period ended with the teams locked at 1-1.
The Steelers regained the lead in the second period when Mikko Juusola capitalised on another powerplay at 28.07. The Finn putting home Mitchell Balmas’ shot which had come off the post, with the second assist going to Golod.
Coventry stayed resilient, equalising again at 34.48 with the fourth powerplay goal of the game from Zach Heintz. The skilful winger finding the net via a rebounded shot from Jackson Cressey. Blaze Man of the Match Luciani registered the second assist.
Blaze had a golden opportunity to take the lead before the buzzer, but Steelers goalie Marco De Filippo came out the better on a 2-on-0 rush.
The third period saw the intensity rise and Marco Vallerand gave Sheffield a 3-2 lead at 54.13, assisted by Whistle and Guimond.
However, the Blaze refused to fold. With just under five minutes remaining, Brandon Alderson delivered a clutch goal to tie the game at 3-3, set up by Michael Regush at 55.21.
With news filtering through that the Belfast Giants had secured the first seed position in the competition via a point from their game against Fife Flyers, Steelers coach Aaron Fox opted to throw caution to the win in overtime, pulling goalie De Filippo for the additional skater.
It was a gamble that didn’t pay off as Blaze Captain Kim Tallberg was able to score unassisted into the empty net goal 63.18, securing Coventry’s 3-4 victory, moving them into Qualification contention with two games remaining.
Photo credit: Dean Woolley
