The Genting Casino Coventry Blaze returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 4-3 road victory over the Dundee Stars on Saturday.
Blaze travelled to Scotland without forwards Grayson Constable and Zach Heintz, who remained sidelined due to injury.
Seeking to bounce back from three defeats the previous weekend, Coventry got off to a strong start as Nick Seitz fired home his 25th goal of the regular season at 2.47, assisted by Brandon Alderson and Terrance Amorosa.
The Stars responded well to the early setback, capitalising on a Blaze turnover as Spencer Naas beat Mat Robson one-on-one at 8.44 to level the game.
Both teams had opportunities on the powerplay before the first intermission, but neither was able to convert.
Coventry came out stronger in the second period, with Alexander Kuqali coming close, only to be denied by the post. Sensing the growing pressure from the Blaze, Stars head coach Marc LeFebvre called an early timeout, but it did little to halt Coventry’s momentum.
Their persistence paid off at 32.18 when Alessio Luciani netted his 26th goal of the season, extending his goal-scoring streak to six games.
Dundee found an equaliser at 36.49 in unusual fashion when Brendan Harms banked the puck off Blaze goaltender Robson from behind the net, much to the frustration of the away side. Naas and Zachary Tsekos collected assists after a sustained period of pressure from the Stars.
The Blaze took the lead for a third time with 15.58 remaining as league-leading goalscorer Chase Gresock notched his 29th of the campaign, with Seitz earning his second assist and third point of the night.
However, Dundee once again found a response, tying the game at 49.59 through Brett Gravelle, assisted by Keanu Yamamoto and Philippe Sanche.
Coventry’s eventual game-winner came from an unexpected source, as stay-at-home defenceman Alexander Kuqali fired home his fourth goal of the season with 7.12 left on the clock.
The Stars pushed for a late equaliser, earning a powerplay opportunity and pulling goaltender Jarrett Fiske for the extra skater in the final minute, but Blaze held firm to secure a well-earned two points on the road.
Photo credit: Derek Black
