Coventry snatch win from rivals Cardiff
There was a big party in Coventry on Saturday night, not because it was New Year’s Eve but because the Coventry Blaze stole a victory against close rivals Cardiff. The 3-2 overtime victory left the Blaze with a five point lead in the league standings over the Welsh side.
Cardiff arrived without the influential Brad Voth, but Scott Matzka played despite being on high alert with his expectant wife due to give birth at any time. Coventry were still missing James Griffin through concussion, but Jerramie Domish was back in the lineup after injury concerns. The game couldn’t have started better for Coventry when, although a man down Shea Guthrie scored on 50 seconds. Guthrie shot straight on net, and Stevie Lyle was unable to stop the puck going between his legs and into the back of the net. A weak goal which the Cardiff stopper will certainly want back.
Following the pattern of gifts, Blaze forward Mike McLean inexplicably turned the puck over to Jeff Pierce, who thundered in on goal and slotted past Peter Hirsch. A good finish from the Devils player who was impressive throughout the contest. From there, Cardiff took control of the game but were unable to get a breakthrough although being camped in the Blaze zone for large sections of the first period.
The second period was goalless but much more even. On the whole, Cardiff were still the better side. There wasn’t much in it, and Cardiff were not playing spectacular hockey, but they were certainly the better of the two sides. This advantage finally bore fruit three minutes into the third period when Scott Dobben scored on the powerplay to give the Devils the lead. For all intensive purposes, it seemed like they would continue to wrap up the game from that point, again pressing home the advantage; but they were again unable to breakthrough.
Coventry switched their lines around and suddenly came back into the game. Guthrie and Owen Fussey combined to equalise for the Blaze and again in overtime to seal the victory for Coventry. Whilst the Blaze may not be true title-contenders right now, winning games when being outplayed is the hallmark of a championship side. There are many obstacles in front of them, which they may or may not get past, but there is no denying that this current version of the Midlands outfit is a good side with plenty of potential going down the stretch.
After losing to Sheffield the following night, the next game for Coventry is this month’s live game on Sky against the Steelers, in Coventry this Friday. A massive game for the club as a win would signify that they can still be considered part of a four-team title hunt at this stage of the season.
