The Genting Casino Coventry Blaze will take a narrow lead to Belfast after edging the Giants 3-2 in the Challenge Cup Semi-Final First-Leg at the Skydome Arena on Wednesday night.
Blaze made a bright start and were rewarded inside two minutes. At 1.54, Brit Jack Hopkins found a gap between Alexis Gravel and the post from a tight angle, with the puck squeezing over the line to make it 1-0.
Gravel was soon called into action again as Coventry piled on early pressure, producing smart saves to deny Alessio Luciani and Adam Robbins.
Despite the hosts’ strong opening, Belfast struck against the run of play at 8.41. Ben Lake finished clinically, assisted by Gabe Bast and Brandon Whistle, to level the game at 1-1.
The Blaze regained the lead at 13.28, shortly after their first powerplay of the evening had expired. Luciani’s fierce shot rebounded kindly off the back boards and fell perfectly for captain Kim Tallberg, who made no mistake in restoring the advantage at 2-1.
Belfast were handed their first powerplay chance late in the period, but Coventry’s penalty kill stood firm to ensure the home side carried a one-goal lead into the first intermission.
The Giants created a huge opportunity to tie the game early in the second period, but Mat Robson produced a crucial save on a 2-on-1 breakaway to preserve the lead.
Belfast eventually found their equaliser 14 seconds before the midway point of the game. Scott Conway reacted quickest to a rebound to beat Robson at 29.46, with assists from JJ Piccinich and Karl Boudrais.
The visitors dominated much of the middle frame, outshooting the Blaze heavily, but Coventry absorbed the pressure. Then, once again against the run of play, the hosts struck.
At 36.57, Grayson Constable collected a perfectly weighted pass from David Clements, deked Gravel and finished superbly to put the Blaze 3-2 ahead. Grant Mismash picked up the second assist, extending his points streak to ten games.
The third period began at a more measured pace, though the Giants continued to look the more dangerous side. Robson, later named Man of the Match, was outstanding throughout, finishing with 42 saves to keep Belfast at bay.
In the closing stages, Coventry’s defensive resolve was tested to the limit. Colton Saucerman produced a heroic goal-line block in the final minutes, and with seconds remaining Constable bravely threw himself in front of a powerful drive to ensure the Blaze held on for a vital 3-2 first-leg victory.
The Blaze now travel to Belfast next Wednesday (18 February) aiming to defend their slender advantage and secure a place in the Challenge Cup Grand Final.
Photo credit: Scott Wiggins
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