The DPD Coventry Blaze bounced back in perfect fashion from Saturday night’s road defeat, edging the Cardiff Devils 3-2 at the Skydome Arena in their home opener of the Challenge Cup. British netminder Ben Bowns was the Devils’ best player early on as Cardiff found themselves killing a 5-on-3. Bowns made a couple of excellent stops, including a fine save to deny William Boyson and keep the visitor’s level. Cardiff’s excellent penalty kill was rewarded shortly afterwards when Bayley Harewood scored his first Motorpoint Elite League goal. Harewood picked up a loose puck and fired past Sisu Heikkeri to put the Devils ahead. Pannu Mieho hit the post late in the period as Cardiff came close to doubling their advantage, but the Blaze found a crucial equaliser with just eight seconds remaining. Man of the Match Griffin Ness fired a shot past Bowns’ blocker to send the teams into the first intermission tied at 1-1. Ben Davies had an early breakaway chance for Cardiff in the second period but was unable to beat Heikkeri. The Devils did regain the lead at 25:30, however, as an Evan Mosey stretch pass picked out Kohen Olischefski coming off the bench, with the Blaze caught on a change. Olischefski made no mistake to restore Cardiff’s advantage. Riley Brandt was ejected towards the end of the second period, handing the Blaze a major powerplay, but the home side were unable to capitalise as Cardiff’s penalty kill stood firm. Coventry levelled the game 8:45 into the third period, with Ryan Richardson converting on the powerplay to make it 2-2. The Blaze then completed the comeback late in the game. With Cardiff facing a delayed penalty, Coventry kept possession and worked the puck across the ice. Ness sent a pass across the crease, where Carson Musser bundled the puck over the line to put the home side ahead for the first time. Cardiff pulled Bowns for the final 30 or so seconds in search of an equaliser, but the Devils could not find a way through as the Blaze held on for a 3-2 victory. It was a memorable night at the Skydome for more than just the result, as the Blaze also bid farewell to long-time announcer John Dalziel, who has been behind the microphone since the 2003/04 season.