The Genting Casino Coventry Blaze dug deep to claim a crucial 0-2 Challenge Cup victory at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield on Saturday.
On top of ongoing injuries to Artie Buzoverya and Connor Russell, the Blaze suffered another setback when Elijiah Barriga was withdrawn from the line-up just minutes before face-off.
The visitors were forced to kill an early penalty, with the ice tilted towards the inspired Mat Robson in the opening stages. Despite being heavily outshot in the first period, the Blaze defended resolutely, and Robson was grateful to his goalframe late on as Stephen Harper’s effort struck the inside of the post and bounced out to keep the game scoreless.
Just ahead of the halfway mark, a broken stick gifted Coventry a two-on-one opportunity. Although the Steelers managed to stop the immediate danger, they couldn’t recover defensively, and the Blaze took full advantage. British defenceman Archie Hazeldine fired past Steelers goalie Matthew Greenfield at 27.02, assisted by Sam Ruffin and Matthew Gleason, to open the scoring.
Both goalies were kept busy for the remainder of the period, but it was the Blaze playing a textbook road game who carried the lead into the second intermission.
Coventry doubled their advantage 2.33 into the third period with a well-worked passing play. Alessio Luciani found Jack Hopkins, who fed captain Kim Tallberg to beat Greenfield and silence the Sheffield home crowd.
The Steelers responded with three powerplay opportunities as they looked to get on the board, but Robson and the robust Blaze defence held firm.
Grayson Constable nearly made it three for Coventry with 7.30 remaining on a shorthanded chance, but Greenfield produced a big stop after a mix-up in the Sheffield zone.
With 2.13 to go, the Steelers pulled their goalie for the extra skater, but despite heavy pressure they couldn’t break through with Robson standing tall to complete a 40-shot shutout.
The victory lifts Coventry into second place in Group A of the Challenge Cup, moving them into an automatic progression spot for the semi-finals.
Photo credit: Hayley Roberts
