The Genting Casino Coventry Blaze lost their final game of the Challenge Cup group stage 2-4 to Cardiff Devils at Skydome Arena on Wednesday.
Both teams had already secured progression to the quarter-finals stage ahead of face-off, but each wanted to secure the points to aid their seeding for the knockout stages.
Coventry were able to keep the game tight in the early stages, but the group winners eventually found a way past their former goalie Taran Kozun at 18.50 through Sam Duggan.
The Devils doubled their lead 6.12 into the second period on the powerplay when Waller found space at the back post and was found well by Trevor Cox.
Davies scored again for the Devils on a re-direct at 45.49 before the Blaze began a fight back.
Nathan Ripley scored his fourth goal in Challenge Cup competition with a quick shot at 51.28 and shortly after American Aidan Spellacy took advantage of a Cardiff turnover to register his first goal for the club on 53.41.
With momentum in their favour, Blaze chased an equaliser but their offensive efforts came too late as Cardiff secured a 4-2 win with an empty net goal from Joey Martin with 22 seconds remaining.
Photo credit: Scott Wiggins
Blaze’s opposition in the quarter-finals will be decided on completion of all group stage fixtures shortly.
