A WEEKEND of mixed fortunes for the Coventry Blaze concluded with a faultless win against playoff hopefuls Dundee Stars on Sunday night.
After losing out by seven goals to five on Saturday night against table topping Cardiff, the Blaze bounced back in tremendous style by putting four past the Scottish outfit – who are Blaze’s biggest rivals in the race to secure the final playoff spot.
Despite being short-benched once again without the services of Jim Jorgensen, Josh Godfrey or Kevin Noble, Danny Stewart’s men dug deep on both nights – though it proved too big of a challenge on Saturday against the Devils.
Two goals for both sides in the opening five minutes sent another 2,600 plus Skydome crowd into early voice as T.J Syner and Ashley Tait found the back of the net in response to Cardiff’s opening goal by Layne Ulmer.
Cardiff displayed why they’re top of the Elite League though with three unanswered goals in just eight minutes in the opening half of the second period.
Two powerplay goals prior to the third period from Boutin and Cantin brought Blaze to within a goal – but Cardiff once again denied the home side any game-winning momentum with a sixth marker from Morissette after 45 minutes.
Brett Robinson added Blaze’s fifth after 47 minutes, though Cardiff wrapped the game up as Scott Hotham’s shot from the top of the circle found a way past Stewart to confirm a Devils victory.
Just 24 hours later though the Blaze were back in fine form with a 4-0 win against Dundee.
It was the in-form T.J Syner who once again put the Blaze ahead with a market after just seven minutes, quickly followed by a second goal from Liam Stewart.
Barry Almeida added a third for Coventry shortly before the conclusion of the second period and Swede Robin Bergman made it four on 49.17.
Netminder Brian Stewart picked up Man of the Match with a superb 26 shot shut-out.
Head coach Danny Stewart said: “It’s not an easy to rink to come into especially with the trip up, but we just wanted to stick to our strengths which is our speed.
“We created a lot of opportunities early and were fortunate enough to bury a couple and we hung on from then.
“Credit to the guys, they came in here, played a smart road game and executed.”
Coventry now sit 8th in the Elite League, three points ahead of Dundee – who have two games in hand – and six points ahead of Edinburgh who have four games in hand.
