The Genting Casino Coventry Blaze capped off an impressive four-point Challenge Cup weekend with a 2-1 home win over the Cardiff Devils at the Skydome Arena on Sunday.
Netminder Mat Robson was again the star, following up his heroics in Guildford the previous night with a Man of the Match performance, turning aside 45 shots to backstop the Blaze to victory.
Coming in under long-time Blaze coach Paul Thompson, Cardiff arrived in Coventry with a perfect Cup record – and they looked on course to extend it after a dream start. With just 55 seconds played, Gleason Fournier teed up Ryan Barrow, who finished in close for the early breakthrough.
Both teams had powerplay opportunities in the opening period, but the Devils’ opener proved to be the only goal of the frame.
Coventry came out with renewed energy in the second and capitalised late on a penalty to Ben Davies. A shot from Grant Mismash was spilled by Devils goalie Christian Stoever, and Mike Pelech pounced to level at 20.53.
The middle period then swung back and forth. Robson produced a huge save at one end before Grayson Constable rattled the post at the other. Cardiff’s best chance fell to Brett Perlini on a breakaway, but once again Robson stood tall. The Blaze also came close on the man advantage, with William Boysen striking the crossbar, but the sides remained tied 1–1 through 40 minutes.
Short-benched on defence with Connor Russell and Ivan Chukarov absent, Colton Saucerman logged an incredible 35.35 of ice time – and was rewarded early in the third. At 42.03, the American fired home what proved to be the game-winning goal.
The Devils pressed hard in the final stages, but Robson repeatedly shut the door. He denied Bayley Harewood in front following a turnover, and with just over five minutes to play, foiled Sam Duggan on another breakaway.
Cardiff pulled Stoever for the extra attacker in the final minute, but the Blaze defence, anchored by Robson’s brilliance, held firm to secure a vital Cup victory and a perfect four-point weekend.
