The Genting Casino Coventry Blaze delivered an impressive performance on Sunday, securing a commanding 5-1 victory over the Manchester Storm in the Elite League at Skydome Arena.
Blaze came close to opening the scoring six minutes into the game, but an excellent sliding save by Storm netminder Evan Weninger denied the hosts an early lead.
Coventry did break the deadlock shortly after, with Kim Tallberg pouncing on a loose puck in the slot to beat Weninger shorthanded at 13.58.
Blaze doubled their advantage with just 96 seconds left in the opening period, when Alessio Luciani fired past Weninger to score his 15th of the season to put the home side up 2-0.
The second period was eventful, taking nearly 40 minutes to complete due to a fight and several post-whistle altercations.
Blaze extended their lead 5.48 into the period when Morten Jurgens spun and fired a shot past Weninger at the near post, a goal the Storm goalie would likely want back.
Tempers flared further after roughing minors were handed to Cam Critchlow and Jurgens, culminating in a spirited fight between Mike Kennedy and Jake Durflinger at 30.14.
Storm responded shortly after, getting on the board at 31.26 through Craig Martin, who skilfully redirected a perfect pass from Alexis D’Aoust.
However, the Blaze restored their three-goal cushion late in the second period when Brandon Alderson was left unmarked at the far post to convert a slick feed from Mike Regush, making it 4-1 with just over two minutes remaining in the frame.
In the final period, the Blaze capitalised on a late 5-on-3 powerplay, sealing the game with a point shot from Chase Gresock at 58.01.
