Narrow margins proved the difference as the Genting Casino Coventry Blaze produced a spirited pre-Christmas performance at the Skydome Arena, falling to a 2-3 defeat against Elite League title-chasing Sheffield Steelers, with the decisive blow coming on a late 5-on-3 powerplay.
The Steelers were handed the game’s first powerplay and wasted little time capitalising, as Mitchell Balmas forced home a loose puck amid traffic in Mat Robson’s crease to open the scoring at 4.39.
Coventry responded well and were later awarded a pair of powerplay opportunities of their own, but were unable to find a way past Eamon McAdam as the opening period drew to a close.
Sheffield doubled their lead just 1.36 into the second period when Captain Robert Dowd finished off a slick passing move involving Mikko Juusola and Balmas to make it 0-2.
The contest then swung dramatically in Coventry’s favour. Blaze Man of the Match Kim Tallberg, deputising on defence, drove forward confidently, pulled off a neat move and beat McAdam in tight to cut the deficit to 1-2 at 26.32.
Momentum stayed with the home side and, on the powerplay, Jere Vertanen continued his impressive scoring form, firing home a quick one-timer to level the game at 2-2 at 30.51.
With the Skydome atmosphere in full flow, the Blaze pressed hard for a go-ahead goal and dominated the middle frame, outshooting their opponents 21-10.
Sheffield regrouped in the third period as Coventry ran into penalty trouble. Three minor penalties between 46.53 and 49.23 handed the visitors a crucial 5-on-3 advantage, which they converted when Dominic Cormier blasted home a one-timer at 50.57 following sharp puck movement.
The Blaze threw everything forward in search of a late equaliser. Sheffield were forced into penalties in the final minute, leaving Coventry with a brief 6-on-3 advantage, but McAdam and the Steelers’ defence held firm to see out the win.
Photo credit: Scott Wiggins
