Flames fight back for important win, eliminate Flyers

Guildford Flames scored two goals in 31 seconds to take both points on offer on Wednesday night against Coventry Blaze.

Coventry raced into an early two-goal lead at the Spectrum with Janne Laakkonen opening the scoring just 47 seconds in, before doubling the visitors’ lead six minutes later off a clever Ryan Penny feed from behind the goal line.

John Dunbar pulled the hosts back into one with a powerplay goal at 13:38 as the period ended 1-2. Luke Ferrara put the Blaze back two ahead at 25:26, but that 1-3 scoreline was about to change in the third period.

Ian McNulty had the Flames back to within one at 46:22, before Ian Watters got the final touch in close at 48:47 to tie the game. Just 31 seconds later, Jake Bolton shot through traffic to put the Flame ahead for the first time on the night – a goal that was upheld after video review.

The Flames held on for the one-goal win which, with Manchester losing, moved them six points clear in a playoff space. In turn, their win eliminated Fife from playoff contention.

Photo: John Uwins