Returning forward Johnny Curran was the hero as the Genting Casino Coventry Blaze earnt a hard-fought 1-2 overtime victory in Scotland against the Dundee Stars.
Curran, who returned earlier this week for a second spell in Coventry, came into the line-up in place of Aidan Spellacy who was injured in a knee-on-knee collision with Nottingham Panthers’ Myles McGurty for which he was suspended two games.
Nolan Kent got the start in net for Coventry and he was magnificent pulling off 38 saves to earn the road win. Kevin Carr was his opposite number making 19 saves.
Following a scoreless first, Dundee came out the stronger in the second period and were ahead after just 15 seconds when Anthony Rinaldi’s rebounded shot was put into the net by Brent Beaudoin.
Blaze had Kent to thank for the Stars’ lead remaining at one as the momentum swung to the home side. As the period wore on, Coventry got back into it and American sharpshooter Kobe Roth tied the game with a tip on the powerplay at 36.35.
The goal was his team leading 14th of the Elite League regular season with assists going to Kim Tallberg and Captain Brady Norrish.
Dundee hit Kent’s pipes in the third period but despite the Scottish side out-shooting their hosts that was as close as either team came to finding a winner in regulation time.
The Stars began overtime with a short powerplay opportunity, but it was Curran who stole the show, pulling off a sensational solo move in overtime to win the game for Blaze on his return 1.39 into the additional period.
Photo credit: Derek Black
