The Genting Casino Coventry Blaze fell agonisingly short in their bid for silverware, losing 2-3 in overtime to the Nottingham Panthers in the Challenge Cup Final at the Motorpoint Arena on Wednesday night.
Competing in their first Challenge Cup Final since 2007, the Blaze were aiming to secure their first trophy since 2015.
Meanwhile, the Panthers, guided by former Blaze head coach Danny Stewart entered their first final in a decade, despite enjoying recent success with playoff and Continental Cup victories.
The opening period was played in a lively atmosphere but remained cautious on the ice, with limited clear-cut chances.
Grant Mismash came closest for the Blaze, denied by a strong save by Kevin Carrr late in the period.
As the first period continued, Mismash again tested Carr, who stood firm with an excellent glove save.
Blaze goalie Robson was instrumental in keeping the game scoreless, producing a series of impressive stops to frustrate the Panthers.
Coventry broke the deadlock early in the second period at 22.56.
After Alessio Luciani struck the crossbar, Mike Pelech reacted quickest to fire the puck at net again and give the Blaze a 1-0 lead.
The Panthers responded at 34.31 through Mitch Fossier, who after a battle behind the Blaze net before finished, assisted by Josh Tetlow and Bryan Lemos.
Nottingham took the lead in the third period at 46.35 when former Blaze defenceman Jakob Stridsberg fired home from the blue line, with assists from Chase Pearson.
The first penalty of the game arrived at 50.58, and Coventry made it count. Elijiah Barriga brought the Blaze level at 2-2 with a composed finish in front, assisted by Grayson Constable.
Late drama followed as Coventry were forced to kill a crucial penalty to Mismash with just 26 seconds remaining in regulation. The Blaze held firm to force overtime.
In the extra period, both sides traded chances in a tense, end-to-end battle.
However, the decisive moment came 11.29 into 5-on-5 overtime, when Didrik Henbrant fired home the winner to seal a 2-3 victory for the Panthers.
Despite a valiant effort, the Blaze were left just short, while Nottingham celebrated a dramatic return to Challenge Cup glory.
Photo credit: Scott Wiggins
