The Genting Casino Coventry Blaze dug deep to beat the Guildford Flames 2–1 in a penalty shoot-out in the Challenge Cup at the Skydome Arena on Sunday.
For the first time this season, the Blaze were able to ice a complete line-up, with Connor Russell and Elijiah Barriga returning from injury.
After the thrills and excitement of the night before, it took a while for the game to catch fire, with a scoreless opening period that offered little in the way of clear chances.
Coventry enjoyed the first powerplay opportunity of the game early in the second, and their red-hot form with the man advantage continued as Grant Mismash beat Justin Fazio in the Flames’ net at 21.35 to make it 1-0. The assists went to Colton Saucerman and Alessio Luciani, while Mike Pelech provided an excellent screen in front.
Guildford hit back quickly when Sean Comrie collected a Charlie Curti pass in tight and fired past Mat Robson to level the game at 24.37.
The physicality ramped up in the third period, but despite both teams having two powerplay opportunities, neither could find a winner, sending the game into overtime.
Just 1.17 into the extra frame, tempers boiled over, and Mismash dropped the gloves with Jake Gravelle in a spirited tilt.
The Flames had a late 4-on-3 chance to win it, but Robson and the Blaze defence stood tall to force a shoot-out.
In the third round, Luciani was first to score, but Josh Waller immediately responded for Guildford.
The game-winner came from Finnish blue-liner Jere Vertanen, who roofed the puck in tight with a sensational finish.
Robson then denied Jamal Watson to seal the victory, as the Blaze celebrated a perfect four-point weekend and top spot in Group A with two games left to play.
Photo credit: Scott Wiggins
