COVENTRY BLAZE head coach Chuck Weber has described tonight’s crucial playoff quarter final second leg against Sheffield as one huge battle.
Since taking over the reins at Coventry in late 2014, Weber has experienced tremendous success – including a dominant victory over the Steelers in the playoff grand final last year.
However tonight poses a new challenge for Weber as his Blaze side must hold on to a two goal lead – established at the Skydome last night when defeating Sheffield 5-3, despite leading 5-0 after 30 minutes of play.
Speaking after the game, Weber said every player performed last night – and this evening has to be the same at 5pm when the first puck drops.
“We need to get off to a good start tonight and play physical, though we need to discipline our physical play which I thought we did well last night,” said Weber.
“It’s going to be a crazy environment in Sheffield tonight and I know our fans will be loud there.
“We have to adjust tonight, that always happens, and I’ve told the boys we’re playing from a 0-0 situation – we’re not playing with a two goal advantage.
“It’s about keeping the clock moving and looking to score tomorrow, every shift is huge.
“The boys got a good meal in them last night and rehydrated – they can rest up in the summer – we want to give ourselves the best opportunity to get to Nottingham.
“My understanding is that a team that finished eighth in the league has never beaten the champions during the playoff series so that’s what’s driving us right now.
“Every shift will be a battle and we have to be prepared.”
