BLAZE head coach Danny Stewart says luck was not on Coventry’s side in Sunday’s 2-1 Elite Ice Hockey League defeat to Cardiff Devils.
A superb display by Great Britain and Devils netminder Ben Bowns kept out the hosts for most of the night at the Skydome Arena, making a remarkable 33 saves in all.
Stewart remained upbeat despite the loss and said: “The performance was really good, I thought we did a lot of good things.
“It’s another night where that extra play or bounce makes a difference, and unfortunately, we were on the wrong side of it tonight.”
The Devils were the first to break the deadlock mid-way through the second period, following a goalless opening, when Sean McMonagle’s shot was directed goalwards by Stephen Dixon (29.06).
Four minutes later, Blaze were level when Andrew Johnston (33.31) fired home from Johnny Curran’s backhand lay-off.
Matias Sointu struck the decisive goal on 53.51 to finally settle the contest, despite Coventry trying desperately to find an equaliser.
The defeat provided a blemish for Coventry’s weekend after a fine 2-0 win away to Manchester Storm on Saturday.
Evan Bloodoff (14.34) broke the deadlock towards the end of the opening period for what appeared to be the only goal of the night, until Ross Venus (59.47) slotted into an empty net with seconds remaining to seal victory.
Blaze sit sixth in the table and visit strugglers Dundee Stars on Saturday (7pm) and league leaders Glasgow Clan on Sunday (4.30pm).
