The Genting Casino Coventry Blaze saw their season come to an end with a 4-1 defeat to the Cardiff Devils, losing 6-2 on aggregate in the Elite League Playoff Quarter Finals.
Both sides lined up similarly to the first leg, with Mat Robson starting in net for Coventry and Christian Stoever for Cardiff.
The Devils struck early, as Josh MacDonald burst into the zone and delivered a precise pass for Kohen Olischefski to score just 39 seconds into the game, with Joey Martin picking up the second assist.
Coventry pushed for a response, with Jordan Power going close eight minutes in, while Robson produced a superb stretch save to deny Riley Brandt midway through the period.
Physicality increased as the period progressed, though officials largely let play flow, and despite Tyson Helgesen hitting the bar late on, Cardiff carried a 1-0 lead into the break, extending their aggregate advantage to 3-1.
The Devils took control in the second period, capitalising on a too-many-men penalty at 23.52 as MacDonald forced home a loose puck at 25.23, assisted by Martin and Kristoff Kontos.
Another powerplay followed at 28.39, and Joey Martin made it 3-0 at 29.18 before Riley Brandt added a fourth just 21 seconds later to effectively end the tie.
Coventry managed a consolation at 50.25 through William Boysen, but further chances from Grayson Constable and Elijiah Barriga went begging, the latter striking the post.
Nolan Yaremko also hit the post late on for Cardiff, and although the Blaze earned a late powerplay, they could not add to their tally as the Devils secured a 4-1 win on the night and progressed to the Final Four in Nottingham.
Photo credit: James Assinder
