The Genting Casino Coventry Blaze staged a remarkable comeback, overturning an early deficit to secure a 3-5 victory over the Cardiff Devils at the Vindico Arena on Saturday night in the Elite League.
The Devils, already shorthanded, were without several key players, including forwards Reid Duke, Riley Brandt, Hunter Shinkaruk, and Ben Davies, as well as defenceman Gleason Fournier. Coventry, too, was missing Swedish blue-liner Jakob Stridsberg, though assistant coach Zach Vinnell continued to feature in the line-up.
Despite their injuries, Cardiff started the game in perfect fashion, taking the lead just seven seconds in. Cole Sanford’s hard work allowed him to win possession, and he was then set up by Zach O’Brien to beat Blaze goalie Mat Robson, igniting the home crowd.
The Devils continued their early momentum, doubling their advantage at 3.47 when Sanford turned provider, assisting O’Brien for a second goal.
However, Coventry refused to be rattled by the early setback, outshooting the Devils 11-13 in the opening period. Cardiff’s netminder Ben Bowns was on top form, denying the Blaze on multiple occasions.
The Blaze came out with determination in the second period, and it took just 54 seconds for them to capitalize on a powerplay opportunity. Nick Seitz pounced on a rebound off a shot from former Devils forward Brandon Alderson to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
A turnover proved costly for Coventry on 27.08 when Cardiff’s Tyler Busch scored with one second remaining on a Cardiff powerplay, restoring the Devils’ two-goal cushion.
But the Blaze weren’t done yet. With 4.35 left in the second, Seitz scored again, this time from Alessio Luciani and Alderson, to make it 3-2 and notch his 20th goal of the season.
Seitz was on fire, and just under six minutes into the third period, he completed his hat-trick. Coming out of the penalty box, Seitz worked hard in front of the net to tie the game at 3-3, assisted by defencemen Terrance Amorosa and Alexander Kuqali.
The Blaze continued to press, and despite two brilliant saves from Bowns to deny Mike Regush, they finally found the go-ahead goal. With five minutes remaining, David Clements unleashed a rocket that flew past Bowns, giving Coventry a 3-4 lead.
With Cardiff pulling their goalie in the final minute, the Blaze sealed the victory as Chase Gresock fired his 20th goal of the season into the empty net at 59.21, completing a stunning 3-5 comeback win.
Photo credit: James Assinder
