A disastrous second period led the Genting Casino Coventry Blaze to a 5-0 defeat against the Sheffield Steelers at Utilita Arena on Saturday evening.
The Blaze welcomed centreman Jackson Cressey back into the line-up following his absence the previous weekend. His strong performance in the face-off circle, coupled with a solid start from goaltender Mat Robson, helped Coventry settle into the game and produce a strong opening period.
Sheffield Steelers’ netminder Matthew Greenfield also impressed early, keeping the game scoreless through an open first ten minutes. In the latter half of the period, the Steelers gained momentum with two powerplay opportunities.
Robson was called into action several times, making key saves to keep the home side at bay, as Sheffield narrowly outshot Coventry through the first twenty minutes.
Both teams started the second period with a powerplay opportunity, but neither goalie could be beaten. The breakthrough came just six seconds past the halfway mark when Sheffield defenceman Kevin Tansey, stepping up as a forward, used his acceleration to create a chance and fired past Robson to make it 1-0.
Only 1.11 later, the Steelers doubled their lead as Daniel Leavens found space and buried his shot into the net for 2-0. Coventry’s Alessio Luciani had a golden opportunity to respond with a one-on-one against Greenfield, but the Steelers’ netminder made a crucial save.
The Blaze’s penalty troubles proved costly as Mitchell Balmas converted on the powerplay at 33.10, following a too many men penalty against Coventry. Sheffield’s dominant second period was capped when Sacha Guimond made it 4-0 at 38.21.
A well-executed passing play from the Steelers resulted in a second goal of the night for Tansey at 43.05, with Patrick Watling and Daniel Ciampini each collecting their third assist of the game.
Robson made another crucial save with nine minutes remaining, denying Maxim Golod on a breakaway to prevent further damage. In the closing seconds, Diffley was denied a sixth goal by the post as the game ended in a 5-0 victory for the Steelers.
Photo credit: Dean Wooley
