The Genting Casino Coventry Blaze surged to an emphatic 9-2 victory over the Fife Flyers on Sunday, capitalising on a blistering first period to secure their second consecutive weekend of maximum points.
American forward Nick Seitz starred for the Blaze with a hat trick, bringing his weekend tally to five goals, as Coventry climbed to second place in the standings and continued their charge for the top spot.
The game started in explosive fashion with the Blaze scoring four goals in the opening nine minutes. Just 18 seconds into the game, Jacob Stridsberg fired the home team ahead, pouncing on a rebound to beat Flyers’ goaltender Shane Owen.
Less than a minute later, Flyers captain Olivier LeBlanc was called for tripping, and Chase Gresock doubled the lead at 1.44 on the ensuing powerplay.
The Flyers’ woes continued as Alessio Luciani added a third goal at 6.51 with a skilful wraparound finish.
Mike Regush capped off the electric period, netting a powerplay goal at 8.54 to make it 4-0 in favour of Coventry.
Fife rallied in the second period, pulling one back at 27.24 through Michael Cichy, whose powerplay strike found its way past Mat Robson.
However, Coventry swiftly responded, restoring their four-goal cushion at 36.06 when Seitz tapped in after relentless pressure in front of Owen’s net. A coach’s challenge from Flyers head coach Tom Coolen for goaltender interference was unsuccessful, allowing the goal to stand.
The Flyers struck early in the third period, with Noah Delmas converting a powerplay opportunity at 41.25.
But the Blaze extinguished any hopes of a comeback as Jack Hopkins scored at 50.15, followed by two more goals from Seitz, both on the powerplay, to complete his first professional hat-trick.
The final flourish came with just 15 seconds remaining when Zach Heintz scored Coventry’s ninth, assisted by young forward Brynley Capps, who earned his first professional point.
Photo credit: Scott Wiggins
