Inspired by a 34 save performance from Canadian netminder Taran Kozun, the Genting Casino Coventry Blaze claimed a valuable Elite League point from a 2-1 overtime defeat to Sheffield Steelers at Utilita Arena Sunday.
Coventry began the game brightly and had a golden opportunity to go ahead when a 3-on-1 opportunity landed on the stick of top-scorer Kobe Roth but the American shot just wide of Matthew Greenfield’s net.
![](https://coventryblaze.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/K3lBwFBg-1024x682.jpeg)
After that missed opportunity, the Steelers began to take control of the game and heavily outshot Blaze 16-6 in the opening period.
The home sides opening goal came on 7.45 when Brett Neumann found space behind the Blaze back-line and finished in close on Man of the Match Kozun.
![](https://coventryblaze.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/kuZu0L5X-1024x681.jpeg)
Blaze had Kozun to thank for the scoreline remaining 1-0 after 20 minutes as the Canadian pulled off several first-class stops, particularly on a late Sheffield powerplay opportunity.
Both sides generated chances in the second, but neither team opened too much as the game turned into a battle of nutrition.
![](https://coventryblaze.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/OnaEZUKM-1024x682.jpeg)
With 9.23 of the game to go, a dogged Blaze side were rewarded for their hard-fought efforts as American J.D. Dudek finished neatly from an excellent pass by Alessio Luciani to make it 1-1.
![](https://coventryblaze.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/DPycEspE-1024x682.jpeg)
Kozun continued his stellar form, and the Steelers began to get frustrated as they searched for a late game winner.
They had an excellent chance to get it in the final two minutes as they were awarded a fourth powerplay of the night, but the stubborn Blaze defence continued to stand firm.
![](https://coventryblaze.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/y0WjqEWk-1024x682.jpeg)
Like the opening fixture of the season, the game went to overtime and again the Steelers’ were the winners. Robert Dowd was the hero scoring at 62.43 on a cross-ice pass from Mitchell Balmas.
![](https://coventryblaze.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/aFOu5ohy-1024x682.jpeg)
Photo credit: Dean Woolley