The Genting Casino Coventry Blaze collected a crucial two points in their quest to qualify for the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup with a 3-5 victory at Vindico Arena against Cardiff Devils on Wednesday evening.
In the season’s first meeting between the two teams, the Devils struck first, capitalising on their second powerplay opportunity when Ryan Barrow redirected Jarrod Gourley’s shot past Mat Robson, giving the home side a 1-0 lead at 14:01.
However, Cardiff’s lead was short-lived, as Blaze Captain Kim Tallberg levelled the score, finishing from close range with assists from Jackson Cressey and Archie Hazeldine at 15.57.
A pivotal moment came at 16.33 when Devils defenceman Andrew MacWilliam was ejected for a check to the head of Zach Heintz.
The Blaze took advantage of the ensuing five-minute powerplay, going ahead 1-2 after former Devil Brandon Alderson’s shot rebounded off Mac Carruth, allowing Nick Seitz to bury it at 17.50.
Alderson added to the Blaze’s lead at 25.48, scoring on an odd man rush with an assist from Hazeldine, his second helper of the night.
Photo credit above: James Assinder
The Devils responded with 2.06 remaining in the second period, as Kohen Olischefski put in a perfectly placed pass from Josh MacDonald to narrow the gap to 2-3, closing out the period with the home side back within one.
Robson made a couple of outstanding saves early in the third period, setting up Chase Gresock to extend Coventry’s lead to two goals at 49.26. Gresock’s goal marked his third in the cup competition and brought his points total to a team-leading eight, with assists credited to defencemen David Clements and Terrance Amorosa.
With just 5.04 remaining, Zach O’Brien reignited Cardiff’s hopes, redirecting a Josh Batch shot into the net to narrow the gap to 3-4.
Cardiff then had a prime chance to equalize with 2.33 left when Alderson received a penalty for tripping.
Seizing the opportunity, Cardiff coach Pete Russell pulled goaltender Carruth to add an extra skater. However, the risk didn’t pay off as Tallberg capitalised on the empty net, scoring his second goal to clinch Coventry’s 3-5 victory at 58.16.
The win puts Coventry ahead of Cardiff in the Group A table, and with eight points from seven games they sit one point behind the Manchester Storm who currently hold third place and the chance to qualify for the semi-finals through the play-in game with Group B’s runners up.
Photo credit above: Rebecca Brain
