RUSSELL Cowley is hoping Sunday’s narrow 1-0 Challenge Cup win over Nottingham Panthers can kick-start Blaze’s season.
After successive shut-out cup defeats to Sheffield Steelers, who are now coached by former head coach Paul Thompson, Cowley scored the only goal of the game as Blaze registered only their second win of the season in all competitions.
Cowley admits Blaze went back to basics at the Skydome on Sunday and he hopes the victories will come thick and fast.
“It was a huge win because it has been a little bit of a rocky start for us,” said Cowley. “We have a good group with some talented players so it helped with our confidence.
“We kept things simple and went back to basics. Chuck holds us accountable defensively, he likes to build from the back forward.
“We played well in front of our net and took care of the back-end and built from there. We know the chances will come.
“We played a lot smarter and didn’t give up any odd-man rushes like we did against Sheffield. If we play the system it will eventually become a habit.”
Blaze go searching for their first win on the road when they head to Manchester Storm on Saturday in the cup before Belfast Giants visit the Skydome in the league the following day.
Cowley added: “We need to go there and pick up some points, we have not done so well on the road yet. We also want to pick up some more points in the cup.
“Belfast are another good side who have a little bit of everything. But every team has upgraded and you cannot take a night off or you will be on the wrong end of the result.
“Winning is fun and it can be pretty miserable when you lose. We know what we are capable of but we are not at that level yet.”
