The Genting Casino Coventry Blaze remain focussed on progression to the Challenge Cup semi-finals after picking up a massive two points in Group A with a 6-4 victory over Manchester Storm at Skydome Arena on Sunday.
Blaze entered the fixture without Captain Kim Tallberg and defenceman Terrance Amorosa, with Estonian International Morten Jurgens dropping back into defence to cover.
Manchester opted to start British netminder Alexander Oldale, with Canadian Mat Robson guarding the net for the Blaze.
The game began with both teams eager to establish dominance, leading to early penalties. Just 13 seconds in, Grayson Constable of Blaze and Noah Carroll of Storm were both assessed two-minute penalties for Cross Checking and High Sticking, respectively.
Blaze struck first as Chase Gresock took advantage of a Storm turnover to make it 1.15. Fans celebrated with the traditional ‘Air the Bear’ event, throwing soft toys onto the ice in support of Hits Radio Cash for Kids’ Mission Christmas.
Manchester Storm responded at 04.14 with a powerplay goal from Loren Ulett, assisted by Captain Cam Critchlow, tying the game at 1-1.
Just 2.14 later, Gresock restored Coventry’s lead with his second, assisted via a well spotted pass by Mike Regush.
The second period saw Manchester Storm flip the momentum with a flurry of goals. Grant Hebert tied the game at 22.46, assisted by Alexis D’Aoust. Joe Morrow followed with a go-ahead goal at 24.07, supported by Hebert and Carroll, before Craig Martin extended the lead to 2-4 at 26.13, combining with Ryan Hughes and Critchlow.
However, as has been a story of their season, Blaze demonstrated resilience.
Capitalising on Manchester’s penalty troubles, Heintz scored his first of two with a powerplay goal at 27.41, assisted by Gresock and Jackson Cressey, reducing the deficit to 3-4.
The comeback continued into the third period when Regush equalised at 32:33, assisted by Brandon Alderson and Gresock, who tallied his fourth point of the night.
The decisive moment came at 34.05 when Heintz, with an assist from young Brynley Capps, scored the game-winning goal, bringing the score to 5-4.
Manchester’s frustration of giving up the lead led to multiple penalties, including a head-butting infraction by Critchlow at 38.39 and a roughing penalty for Ryan Hughes shortly after.
Blaze’s red hot powerplay made them pay for the indiscipline, as Cressey found the net from close range at 48.07, assisted by Luciani.
Storm pulled Oldale for the extra skater in the final proceedings and pushed to get back into the game, but Blaze hung on to secure the 6-4 victory and a crucial two Cup points.
Photo credit: Scott Wiggins
Group A standings
Third place will take on Glasgow Clan from Group B in a one-off ‘play-in’ game. Second place gains automatic qualification for the semi-finals.
Remaining Fixtures
