The Genting Casino Coventry Blaze’s spirited comeback fell just short as the Dundee Stars secured a 6-4 Elite League victory in Scotland on Friday night.
Blaze handed the start in goal to Dershahn Stewart, while Emil Kruse got the nod between the pipes for the Stars.
Coventry made a bright start and were handed an early opportunity when Zachary Taylor was called for tripping just 1.12 into the contest. Although the visitors were unable to capitalise on the powerplay, they struck moments later. Just 22 seconds after the penalty expired, Grayson Constable opened the scoring, finishing smartly from an Alessio Luciani feed to give Blaze the early lead.
Dundee responded after Coventry’s first penalty of the night. With William Boysen in the box for interference, former Blaze forward Johnny Curran levelled the game at 11.20, converting assists from Kameron Kielly and Drydn Dow.
The hosts then edged ahead at 16.43. Keanu Yamamoto found space at the back door and made no mistake, beating Stewart with a composed finish. Kielly picked up his second assist of the period alongside Justin Bean.
The Stars extended their advantage early in the second period. At 21.20, Bradley Schoonbaert tipped home in front to make it 3-1, with Yamamoto and Kielly – claiming his third assist of the night – providing the helpers.
Dundee struck again at 28.23 following a broken play in the slot. The puck fell kindly for Yamamoto, who buried his chance to stretch the lead to 4-1. Blaze Head Coach Kevin Moore immediately called a timeout to rally his side.
The pressure continued at 33.40 when Spence Naas was left all alone in front to make it 5-1, putting the Stars firmly in control.
To their credit, Blaze refused to let their heads drop. Grant Mismash pulled one back at 35.58, finding space in the slot and finishing well after good work from Jordan Power.
Coventry reduced the deficit further with just 19 seconds remaining in the period. Luciani’s shot squeezed through Kruse to send the visitors into the second intermission trailing 5-3 and with renewed belief.
Early in the third, Taylor returned to the penalty box for Dundee, but Blaze were unable to convert on the powerplay. However, mirroring their first goal of the night, Coventry struck shortly after the penalty expired. Mismash rifled home from the bottom of the circle with 12.51 remaining to make it a one-goal game and set up a tense finale.
Blaze came agonisingly close to equalising with 2.30 to play, but Kruse produced a huge save to deny Adam Robbins.
Stewart was pulled for the extra skater inside the final two minutes as Coventry pushed for the leveller. Despite relentless pressure and several frantic moments around the Dundee net, the Stars stood firm.
Dow ultimately sealed the victory, firing into the empty net with 38 seconds remaining to complete the scoring at 6-4 and bring an end to Blaze’s brave fightback.
Photo credit: Derek Black
