The Genting Casino Coventry Blaze were shut out 0-3 by Ben Bowns and the Cardiff Devils at Skydome Arena on Sunday in Elite League action.
Blaze brought Canadian stand-out Mat Robson back into the net after he was given the night off in Fife, while the Devils started Great Britain international Bowns.
The best chance of the early going fell to Elijiah Barriga, who was denied by an outstanding glove save from Bowns at the back post nine minutes into the game.
Just past the 12-minute mark, the Devils were awarded the first powerplay of the night, but led by a brave block from Mack Stewart, the Blaze were able to kill it off.
Both teams enjoyed chances five-on-five, but with neither goalie beaten, the sides went into the first intermission scoreless.
The first powerplay for Blaze came early in the second, but they weren’t able to make the breakthrough. A big chance then fell to offensive blue-liner Ivan Chukarov, who found himself wide open in front of the Devils’ net with seven minutes remaining in the period, but his shot was stopped by the inspired Bowns.
Against the run of play, Cardiff took the lead at 36.41, with GB forward Brett Perlini scoring on a breakaway assisted by Steven MacLean.
Bowns was then forced into another superb double save to preserve the visitors’ narrow lead through two periods.
Blaze began the third period on the powerplay, but after the Devils were able to kill it, they doubled their advantage through the ever-dangerous Cole Sanford, assisted by Ryan Barrow, at 42.10.
Cardiff didn’t give Coventry much to work with the rest of the way, leaving the home side to rue their early missed chances.
The final dagger came with Robson pulled for the extra skater, as Barrow found the empty net at 58.53, assisted by Josh MacDonald and Brandon Estes, sealing a 0-3 win for the Devils.
Photo credit: Scott Wiggins
