The Genting Casino Coventry Blaze mounted a spirited third-period comeback but ultimately fell 3-4 in overtime to the Cardiff Devils on Retro Night at Skydome Arena on Saturday.
The Devils opened the scoring at 10.19 when Bradley Schoonbaert drove to the net, sending the puck airborne. Ryan Barrow capitalised on the loose puck to find the finishing touch, with Tyler Busch collecting the secondary assist.
Coventry responded through the Elite League’s best powerplay unit, levelling the game at 12.49. Chase Gresock, the league’s top goal scorer, unleashed a powerful one-timer past Mac Carruth, assisted by Jackson Cressey and Mike Regush.
Cardiff quickly regained the lead with a powerplay goal of their own. With just three seconds remaining in the first period, Kohen Olischefski was left with too much space and fired past Mat Robson to make it 1-2.
The Devils extended their advantage to 1-3 at 27.06 when Ben Almquist set up Sam Duggan on an odd-man rush. The Blaze, believing the puck had struck the netting behind the goal following a powerful Nick Seitz shot, were left frustrated as play continued, and Duggan capitalised.
A flurry of minor penalties disrupted the game’s rhythm in the latter half of the middle period, but Cardiff maintained their two-goal cushion heading into the final 20 minutes.
The game took a dramatic turn in the third period as the Blaze staged a comeback. Another powerplay goal at 43.49 cut the deficit to 2-3, with Alessio Luciani’s effort awarded following a video review. Officials determined that the puck deflected off the Canadian’s skate from a David Clements pass without a distinct kicking motion.
Just moments later, channelling the spirit of the Grand Slam side of 20 years ago, Coventry drew level at 44.16. Regush burst up the ice and fired a shot that initially seemed to strike the crossbar. However, after another video review, officials ruled that the puck had crossed the line, making it 3-3.
The Blaze had a prime opportunity to find a winner when Josh MacDonald was handed a double minor for hooking and unsportsmanlike conduct at 46.58. However, the Devils’ penalty kill held firm to keep the game tied.
Both teams had late chances to win in regulation, but neither goaltender was beaten again, sending the contest into a tense overtime period.
Former Devil Brandon Alderson came inches from securing victory for Coventry, striking the post as Carruth momentarily thought the game was over.
However, Cardiff’s powerplay proved decisive once more. Following a slashing penalty against Mike Kennedy, Cole Sanford unleashed a lethal one-timer at 63.07, securing the win and sending the large travelling contingent of Devils fans back to South Wales delighted.
Photo credit: Scott Stevens
