The Genting Casino Coventry Blaze maintained their impressive Elite League form with a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Nottingham Panthers at the Skydome Arena on Sunday.
The game opened with a physical intensity, setting the tone for an action-packed encounter.
Coventry struck first at 2.23 with a dazzling spin-o-rama goal by Nick Setiz, assisted by Grayson Constable and Alessio Luciani.
Nottingham quickly responded, levelling the score at 5.11 with a short-handed effort from Matt Alfaro, set up by Zsombar Garat.
The Blaze regained the lead at 12.30 when British defenceman David Clements’ shot threaded through traffic and eluded Panthers’ goaltender Ryan Bednard. Assists were credited to Terrance Amorosa and Jackson Cressey.
Coventry extended their advantage to 3-1 at 16.56 with a stunning solo effort from Mike Regush, whose tireless play earned him the Blaze’s Man of the Match honour.
The Panthers clawed back early in the second period with a powerplay goal at 22.44. Sam Herr found the back of the net after a brief video review confirmed the goal, despite Mat Robson’s net being dislodged. Alfaro notched his second point of the night with the assist.
Coventry restored their two-goal cushion at 32.53 with a powerplay goal of their own. Brandon Alderson unleashed his trademark one-timer, firing past Bednard to make it 4-2.
In the final period, Panthers pushed hard, but Blaze goaltender Mat Robson stood tall, making a series of crucial saves to deny Nottingham during their powerplay opportunities. Robson finished the night with an impressive 35 saves and a 92.11 save percentage.
Nottingham’s determination paid off late in the game. With Bednard pulled for the extra attacker, Ollie Betteridge narrowed the gap to 4-3 at 58.11. Despite the late pressure, Coventry held firm to secure the victory.
Photo credit: Scott Wiggins
