The Genting Casino Coventry Blaze were narrowly beaten 2-1 by the Cardiff Devils at Vindico Arena in their penultimate Elite League regular season game.
Blaze travelled to South Wales without veteran defenceman Colton Saucerman, while Danish forward William Boysen returned to the line-up after missing Wednesday’s game in Belfast.
The Devils made a fast start and took the lead after just 1.07. Nolan Yaremko, who has been limited to 13 regular season games due to injury, marked his return with his third goal of the campaign, assisted by Gleason Fournier and Cole Sanford.
Coventry were fortunate not to fall further behind soon after, with Robson producing two outstanding saves, including a superb stretch stop on Brandon Estes seven minutes into the contest.
The Blaze began to grow into the game following their netminder’s heroics and started to test Ben Bowns at the other end.
A big opportunity came Coventry’s way with two minutes remaining in the first period, but they were unable to capitalise on a two-on-one. They did, however, equalise at 18.38 when Jordan Power jumped up from defence and beat Bowns with a quick wrist shot, assisted by Mike Pelech and Matthew Gleason.
Robson was called into action again at the midpoint of the game, producing a stunning glove save on Evan Mosey who found himself wide open in the slot.
The first two penalties of the game went against the Blaze, giving the Devils a golden opportunity to regain the lead, which they took at the second attempt. Josh MacDonald scored his 26th goal of the season, assisted by Joey Martin and Kristoff Kontos.
Coventry found themselves back on the penalty kill early in the third period and, after successfully killing it, were handed a chance of their own to equalise, but the Devils held firm.
Man of the Match Robson continued to impress, making a strong double save with 12 minutes remaining to keep the Blaze within one, finishing with 42 saves from 44 shots.
The Devils were then reduced to four skaters after Gleason Fournier was ejected following an extended review for a spearing incident on Gleason. This handed the Blaze a five-minute powerplay with 9.27 remaining.
Despite sustained pressure, Coventry were unable to convert with Head Coach Kevin Moore saying special teams were the difference post-game.
Robson was pulled for the extra skater in the final minute, but the Devils held on to secure a 2-1 victory.
Photo credit: James Assinder
