The Genting Casino Coventry Blaze mounted a dramatic comeback after trailing by three goals but ultimately fell 4-5 in a penalty shootout to the Sheffield Steelers in a thrilling Challenge Cup contest at the Skydome Arena on Sunday.
The game started disastrously for the Blaze, with Sheffield taking an early lead just 14 seconds in. A costly turnover gifted Daniel Leavens the chance to open the scoring for the Steelers, putting Coventry on the back foot almost immediately.
Things quickly worsened for the home side when the Steelers doubled their advantage on the powerplay at 4.06. Patrick Watling found the back of the net, assisted by Colton Saucerman, extending the visitors’ lead to 0-2.
Coventry’s struggles continued as they conceded a short-handed goal at 11.07, despite being on the powerplay. Daniel Ciampini beat Blaze netminder Mat Robson with a slick backhand finish from a tight angle, making it 0-3 for Sheffield.
Despite the grim start, Coventry showed signs of life just under a minute later. On a powerplay of their own, Jackson Cressey scored at 12.03, converting from a clever pass behind the net by Nick Seitz to pull the Blaze back into the game at 1-3.
The second period saw Coventry edge closer, narrowing the deficit to 2-3 at 33.15. A powerful, unassisted drive from David Clements beat Steelers goaltender Matthew Greenfield, reigniting Blaze’s hopes of a comeback.
However, momentum swung back to Sheffield just two minutes later when Blaze captain Kim Tallberg was ejected from the game for slashing, earning a 5+ game penalty.
The Steelers capitalised almost immediately, with Brandon Whistle scoring on the ensuing powerplay at 35.35, restoring Sheffield’s two-goal cushion at 2-4.
Coventry entered the final period needing another push, and they delivered. At 44.24, Jakob Stridsberg found the net after a well-worked setup from Man of the Match Cressey, cutting the Steelers’ lead to 3-4.
The Blaze continued to apply pressure, and they found an equaliser with Grayson Constable levelling the game at 58.15, sending the Skydome crowd into a frenzy as the score read 4-4.
Sheffield’s Mark Simpson was given a 5+ game penalty for cross-checking at 58.18, giving Coventry a crucial powerplay.
Blaze were unable to find a winner on the extended man advantage which took up the majority of overtime too and a tense shootout followed, where Mitchell Balmas initially put the Steelers ahead.
Coventry’s Regush responded to keep the Blaze in contention, but on Sheffield’s fifth attempt, Ciampini stepped up to score the decisive penalty, sealing a 4-5 victory for the visitors.
Photo credit: Scott Wiggins
