Coventry Blaze 7 Edinburgh Capitals 2
Blaze Action Month continued on Sunday night as Coventry entertained the Edinburgh Capitals, a team that they have traditionally struggled against in recent years. Admittedly, that has been more away in Murrayfield that in Coventry but nonetheless, games haven’t been plain sailing.
This game looked to be following the pattern as Zembergs from Edinburgh scored on their first attack, over two minutes into the game. A swift break down the left wing saw the Blaze exposed by speed yet again. Coventry continued the dominance in the first period but found themselves two goals behind when Zembergs scored a second. Perhaps partially screened, Peter Hirsch got something on it, but the puck squirmed through and ended up in the net. He’ll want that one back.
So at the end of the first, Blaze were justifiably upset at being behind, let alone two goals down. Nathan Craze played well in the first period and Edinburgh pounced on their chances. Not so much of a big team talk needed from Paul Thompson, more of a “keep plugging away, it will come”.
And so it did. Dustin Wood banged in two huge blasts from the point, both on the powerplay to level the scores. Coventry’s PP looked much improved, more of an emphasis on puck possession and waiting for the good chances to appear. Robert Farmer continued his good form netting the third and Owen Fussey rounded out a four-goal period for the Blaze.
The third period was more of the same as the Blaze piled on the score with Bakrlik, Kralj and McLean finishing the rout. In all honesty, the Caps were never in it. They might be a little short-benched at the moment but even at full strength, they don’t have the depth of the top sides. Zembergs and Jarolin are quality, and Craze would be good with a decent defence in front of him limiting the high-percentage shots. Coventry had the measure of their Scottish rivals throughout the contest and the score reflects it.
Coventry got scoring from all lines including the powerplay which is a definite bonus. This may be in part due to the Caps focusing on Shea Guthrie allowing the other players a bit more time and space on the ice. Whilst Guthrie was quiet, the other forwards thrived and that hasn’t happened for a long time.
A solid 4 point weekend for the Blaze after the win in Nottingham was just what was required to keep momentum going through the month of December. Next up for Coventry is Braehead on Weds night before a tough Christmas schedule against Hull and Sheffield.
