The Genting Casino Coventry Blaze pulled away from the Fife Flyers in the third period to take a 1-4 victory at Fife Ice Arena on Saturday in the Elite League.
Blaze handed a start to Dershahn Stewart in net, with Mat Robson rested, while the Flyers opted for Christian Purboo as Shane Owen sat out.
Following a physical opening five minutes, Coventry grabbed the lead through the in-form Grant Mismash, scoring his third goal in five games, assisted by Elijiah Barriga at 7.12.
The Flyers then found themselves in penalty trouble, taking three minors up to the middle point of the game – none of which Blaze were able to capitalise on.
A fourth opportunity on the man advantage came the way of Coventry to begin the third, as they continued to hold their narrow one-goal lead.
With seven seconds remaining on the powerplay, the Flyers struck an equaliser through new signing Giordano Finoro, unassisted at 42.26.
Blaze responded in perfect fashion, though, when Assistant Captain Grayson Constable fired home his third goal in as many league games to restore Coventry’s advantage at 43.47, assisted by Connor Russell and Artie Buzoverya.
A third for Coventry followed just 27 seconds later, William Boysen finding space in front of Purboo and finishing clinically at 44.14.
The Flyers couldn’t stay out of the penalty box, and after a clumsy hit by Jonas Emmerdahl on Mack Stewart, Blaze finally made them pay – Matthew Gleason making it 1-4 from close range on the powerplay at 53.59, assisted by Jack Hopkins.
With their frustration showing, the Flyers’ Jeremy Masella took a double minor in the final minutes, allowing Blaze to comfortably skate out a 1-4 victory from their first visit to Scotland this season.
Photo credit: Jillian McFarlane
