The Genting Casino Coventry Blaze were beaten 5-2 by Sheffield Steelers in a hard-fought Elite League game at Utilita Arena on Saturday night.
Both teams welcomed key players back to their line-ups. For the Blaze, captain Kim Tallberg and defenseman Terrance Amorosa returned after missing last weekend’s action. The Steelers saw the return of their number one netminder, Matt Greenfield, and blue-liner Colton Saucerman, both back from injury. However, captain Robert Down was absent.
Sheffield began strongly and took the lead on their first powerplay opportunity. At 8.49, Mitchell Balmas fired a one-timer from Sacha Guimond past Blaze netminder Robson.
Balmas doubled the Steelers’ advantage at 14.40 with a superb solo effort, stickhandling around the Coventry goalie to make it 2-0.
Blaze Captain Tallberg nearly halved the deficit late in the first period, but Greenfield made the first of several crucial saves to preserve Sheffield’s lead.
The Steelers extended their lead to 3-0 early in the second period with another powerplay goal.
At 21.13, Daniel Ciampini converted from Mikko Juusola’s assist. Coventry responded swiftly, capitalising on their own powerplay at 23.39. Top-point scorer Alessio Luciani netted his ninth goal of the regular season, bringing his tally to 21 points – joint-second in the league.
Just 43 seconds later, Mike Regush reduced the deficit to 3-2 with a back-post finish, assisted by Brandon Alderson and Chase Gresock, who also contributed to Luciani’s goal.
However, Sheffield regained momentum almost immediately, with Brandon Whistle breaking through Coventry’s defence to score just nine seconds after Regush’s strike, restoring a two-goal cushion.
Despite a spirited effort from Coventry, including a near-miss by Zach Heintz and an incredible scorpion-style save by Man of the Match Greenfield, the Blaze could not break through again.
Greenfield’s stellar performance continued as he denied a Blaze 2-on-1 powerplay opportunity late in the second period, which ended with the Steelers leading 4-2.
The third period saw Sheffield effectively shut down the hard-working Blaze and they wrapped up the two points with a fifth goal at 57.22 from Brien Diffley.
The result allowed the Steelers to close the gap to within one point of Coventry, who remain in second place in the standings.
Photo credit: Dean Woolley