The Cardiff Devils claimed a narrow 1-2 victory over the Genting Casino Coventry Blaze in the first leg of their Elite League Playoff Quarter-Final at the Skydome Arena on Saturday, taking a one-goal advantage back to Cardiff.
Coventry were boosted by the return of defenceman Colton Saucerman, who rejoined the line-up after missing the final weekend of the regular season through injury. Mat Robson got the start in goal for the Blaze, while the Devils opted for Christian Stoever between the pipes.
The opening ten minutes were cagey, with both sides feeling their way into the contest. While both goaltenders were tested, neither team was able to create clear-cut chances early on.
Blaze broke the deadlock at 14.40. Jere Vertanen kept the puck alive in the offensive zone before firing a slap-shot towards Grayson Constable, who finished clinically to give the hosts the lead. Cardiff protested for offside on the play, but the officials waved away the appeals.
Robson ensured Coventry took that advantage into the first intermission, producing two outstanding saves on Riley Brandt before helping his side successfully kill the game’s first penalty.
The Blaze had an early opportunity to extend their lead on the powerplay at the start of the second period but were unable to capitalise.
Cardiff responded at 25.45, as Evan Mosey joined the rush and found space to beat Robson, levelling the game at 1-1 with assists from Kristoff Kontos and Cole Sanford.
The visitors then took the lead at 31.51 following strong work behind the Coventry net. After winning possession, Kontos finished from Nolan Yaremko and Sanford to make it 1-2.
Coventry were forced to kill a late penalty in the second period and, despite being outshot, did well to keep the deficit at a single goal heading into the final frame.
The Devils opened the third period with a crucial penalty kill and then focused on protecting their lead, limiting Blaze’s chances as the clock wound down.
Cardiff had a late powerplay opportunity but were unable to extend their advantage, ultimately settling for a 1-2 win and a slender aggregate lead heading into Sunday’s second leg at the Vindico Arena.
Photo credit: Scott Wiggins
