The Genting Casino Coventry Blaze secured a 3-5 victory over the Fife Flyers in Scotland on Saturday night.
Blaze were boosted by the return of forward Matthew Gleason, who missed last weekend’s action, while Dershahn Stewart got the start in net after being forced out early in Guildford through injury. The game also marked a milestone for British defenceman David Clements, who made his 600th Elite League appearance.
Fife were without Johan Porsberger, Mason Alderson, and Rowan Mills through injury, while Milan Lucic was a healthy scratch. Veteran netminder Shane Owen started for the Flyers and was tested early, producing a strong blocker save on Alessio Luciani just 15 seconds into the contest.
Coventry opened the scoring at 2.51 when Elijiah Barriga held the puck in the offensive zone before feeding William Boysen, who beat Owen to make it 0-1.
The Blaze doubled their lead at 8.32, as Man of the Match Adam Robbins capitalised on a scramble in front, finishing from his knees to make it 0-2 unassisted.
The Flyers responded late in the first period with two quick goals to level the game. Garrett Hunt found a way past Stewart at 18.41, and just 18 seconds later, Jonas Emmerdahl finished on the rush to send the teams into the break tied at 2-2.
Coventry regained the lead in the second period at 23.47, with Grayson Constable converting from Robbins and Grant Mismash. Constable nearly extended the advantage further late in the period, but Owen denied him on a breakaway.
The Blaze added to their lead in the third period, as Alessio Luciani capitalised on a Flyers error and finished high past Owen at 45.24 to make it 2-4.
Fife pushed back once more, with Emmerdahl setting up Jeremy Masella at the back post for a close-range finish at 53.15 to cut the deficit to one.
The Flyers pulled Owen for the extra skater in search of an equaliser, but their hopes were ended at 58.41 when defenceman Connor Russell scored into the empty net to seal a 3-5 win for Coventry.
Photo credit: Jillian McFarlane
